Pinault has signed a one-year deal at Blundell Park

The 22-year-old, who left the U's this summer after five years at Layer Road, had travelled with Northampton on their pre-season trip to Spain.

He was offered a contract by the Cobblers but decided to turn it down. The Frenchman was also attracting interest from Dundee United.

Pinault made 157 appearances for Colchester, scoring seven goals.