Town have confirmed the signing of striker Freddie Sears from Colchester United on a deal until the summer of 2017 for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old has scored 14 goals for the struggling League One side this season.

The former West Ham man was at Playford Road this morning to finalise a switch and Sears will travel with the squad to Millwall today ahead of Saturday's game.

While a place on the bench is most likely, the frontman could start with David McGoldrick a doubt with a knee problem suffered in Wednesday's FA Cup defeat to Southampton.

Sears came through the ranks at West Ham where he eventually went on to make 25 starts and 33 sub appearances, scoring three goals.

While with the Hammers he spent time on loan with Crystal Palace, Coventry, Scunthorpe and Colchester before making his move to the U's permanent in July 2012.

Photo: ITFC

Capped by England at U19, U20 and U21 levels, Sears has scored 36 goals in 81 starts and 28 sub appearances for the U's, including during his loan spell. The Hornchurch-born player's U’s contract was up in the summer.

Photo: Action Images

We_hate_Norwich added 13:27 - Jan 16 g0ddard... Was thinking more David Johnson than Marcus Stewart but I get what you mean. I seem to remember both being done quickly back in the day, just as this was.
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TimmyH added 13:27 - Jan 16 Personally get the feeling Sharp might be past his best...
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SamWhiteUK added 13:36 - Jan 16 I am really excited about this! Saw him play in pre season and he was head an shoulders above everyone else. Still got a good few years in him, hopefully hitting his prime now, and as others have said, 14 goals this season for Colchester, who are pants, is quality.
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Spalderz added 13:39 - Jan 16 Another good bit of buisness by mick! I've always thought he looked fairly decent, I just hope he can make the step up and hit the ground running when he gets his chance. COYB!
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PJH added 13:40 - Jan 16 Excellent addition to squad and a goal threat. Would be good to also add Sharp because then we would have depth at striker positions which has been lacking.
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Popeye added 13:40 - Jan 16 Bit concerned about Col U now Sears has left tbh. Is Taylor going the other way when he returns from his loan?
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samemeny added 13:44 - Jan 16 If any chance of signing sharp comes up, take it and release, sell or loan out bajner. Four quality strikers should be enough to get us up. Sharp and sears, or SAS we already have M&M s. Plenty of fire power. Still need cover in the back four.
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DurhamTownFan added 13:45 - Jan 16 Good signing: young enough to not feel too angry if he's on the bench for McGoldrick and Murphy, can play on the right of a front three, and seems to have done well in the right conditions. Now he just need to work on his heading now he's in this team! (Which is NOT a criticism of our playing style)
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warkonthewildside added 13:46 - Jan 16 Didn't see that one coming. Let's hope he bangs a hat trick in at Millwall. WELCOME FREDDIE!
4

Fatboy added 13:51 - Jan 16 A good acquisition, I just hope that the timing of it doesn't indicate that either McColdrick/Murphy are injured and unavailable tomorrow. Welcome to the club!
2

Luka added 13:52 - Jan 16 As I said after the Southampton match, let him manage the club, and good things will happen Happy with this, a wide option as well as a forward one
2

BlueandTruesince82 added 13:52 - Jan 16 RE Bajner, I think the guy needs time to settle. Not every player just fits in straight away, when you come in from a foregin league you have t adjust to a diffrent life styke and clture as well as footballing culture. The British leagues are diffrent to almost any other i the way we play the game. I think he shoud be given at leastutil early next season as he's still finding his feet

7

ScottCandage added 13:54 - Jan 16 So may I introduce to you...the one and only Freddie Sears...and Mick McCarthy's Lonely Hearts Club Band!!!
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townietilidie added 13:54 - Jan 16 Bags of potential to be a very good championship striker . Had some PL experience with West Ham and the fact he is going to be working with TC every day gives him the best chance to fulfil that potential . I think Freddie will bring a new energy to the team being young and keen . Happy with this . COYB !!!
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Foreverdon_Blue added 13:56 - Jan 16 This is an excellent signing as I remember him when he made his debut for West Ham - he was very young and had lots of potential. 14 goals for a struggling League 1 side is also a very good return this season and he could be the difference between us finishing top 2 or missing out.
3

Superblue95 added 13:56 - Jan 16 Welcome Freddie!! I'd start Sears alongside Murphy tomorrow whether didzy is injured or not, he's not playing his best lately and he's clearly getting frustrated so a rest would do him good. Also what better a debut could sears have against a Millwall team who have an awful defence plus he will be spurred on being a former west ham youth player
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brian_a_mul added 14:04 - Jan 16 YES! Freddie will add some serious pace to our attack! He is more than good enough for Championship plus he lives down the road so he will settle in immediately! I diddnt see this coming and Im absolutely thrilled!! Could see Big Man (Murph) & Little Man (Freddie) up front with McGoldrick playing in behind. WIth Bish, Tabb and Skuse providing a solid midfield foundation this could be a genuine option for us. A variation of the 4-3-3 we often see with emphasis on central play rather than wings. A new attack minded signing always brings a positive impact top the club and supporters!

6

jontysnut added 14:05 - Jan 16 watched him v Bradford earlier this year - best player on the pitch although we're talking league 1. He's a busy, energetic, forward -facing player with a decent amount of quality - I think its a very good signing.
4

warkonthewildside added 14:07 - Jan 16 Bbc says McG has a knee injury, let's hope it's not too serious!
2

Lightningboy added 14:07 - Jan 16 Excellent little signing - nice one Mick..much needed competition for McGoldrick. Best of luck Freddie and welcome.
3

atty added 14:09 - Jan 16 Good signings l reckon. They obviously watched him, and with T C. To work on him could be a really useful addition to the squad. Talk also of Sharp but can only think this was instead of Sears . Still feel we need a back up/competition to Murphy.
2

miltonsnephew added 14:11 - Jan 16 Anyone remember me saying the other day sears and Sharp well voila here we go!!
3

MVBlue added 14:15 - Jan 16 Saved wages on Sammon go straight to Sears. Top management.
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warktheline added 14:25 - Jan 16 Doubters again proved wrong, another positve signing from Mick. No messing....Ipswich have signed Sears....end of story. Really admire the way we now go about our business. Yes we have lost our last two games, and as I posted after the cup game, "there are more questions than answers". Well, questions are now being answered,the squad is now being complimented and now we wait for a response in next game or two. Let's make no mistake about it, McCarthy has been here before, promotion a real possibility, do people really think the man will give up on such an opportunity without a fight? Check out Mick's CV, we have without doubt,the best manager for such a situation. Why would anyone want to swap him for another manager in the top 6 , or in the Championship? ME will back his man, obviously not with mega-bucks, but within reason. That's why Bent is not in a Town shirt, silly wages. Leave the likes of Derby to such signings, Mick can work with what is on the table, check the Championship table, if you doubt this!

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BlueNomad added 14:35 - Jan 16 £100k + add-ons?
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