James made 85 appearances for Southampton

League One side Colchester United have completed the signings of midfielder Lloyd James and former Histon defender Ben Coker.

The pair have been on trial with the U's throughout the summer and have agreed two-year deals.

James, 22, is a former Wales Under-21 international who was released by Southampton earlier this summer.

Coker, who can play either in defence or midfield, spent last season at Southern League side Bury Town.

He told the club's website: "When the manager told me I'd got a deal it took a few minutes to sink in and I took a while before I drove home.

"I've actually injured my ankle so what I've got to do now is get back fit as soon as possible and get back in and around the squad.

"The training is a lot quicker than when I was at Bury Town and the players make better decisions than those do in non-league."

Meanwhile former Charlton Athletic and Southend United striker James Walker has not been offered a deal at the Community Stadium.

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