Former Peterborough United man Harry Anderson has penned a two-year deal with Colchester United, reuniting with former mentor, Danny Cowley.
Anderson spent time on loan with the League Two strugglers last season, having fallen out of favour at Stevenage under Steve Evans. His return brings to an end a horrible couple of years, which has seen him struggle to get regular game time.
“I really enjoyed my time here and I’m happy to be back,” Anderson said of the move. “It was good to be back out there after such a long time for me being out. I was really enjoying myself and enjoying my football and hopefully with a full pre-season, I should be good to go.”
Cowley added: “Delighted to be able to get Harry over the line. He’s a boy that I know well and we were pleased to be able to bring him back in January.
“With Harry, he’s someone that’s played this level for a long time, and mastered this level with two promotions from League Two.”
The Chertesy-born 27-year-old started his senior career at Posh, making his debut in 2015. To get first team experience, he moved to St Albans, and latterly Braintree Town, where he first joined up with Cowley. When the manager moved to Lincoln, he went back for Anderson, getting him for two loan spells, during which the Imps won the National League.
In 2017 he joined permanently, reuniting with Cowley once again. He was an integral part of the team that won the Checkatrade Trophy, with Anderson scoring against Peterborough in the early rounds. In 2019, he was again a major player as the Imps won League Two.
He spent two further seasons with the Imps, helping them to the 2021 League One play-off final, before a move to Bristol Rovers, where he was again promoted from League Two.
Last season, he had an injury-hit spell with Stevenage, before joining Colchester on loan, and linking up with Cowley for a fifth time. That spell was a success; he helped the U’s retain their League Two status.
Today is the sixth time Cowley has signed Anderson, adding a possible reason why; “He knows what it takes and he’s a great person on the pitch, and then equally good off the pitch as well.”
Writer’s View
At 27, a fit Harry Anderson has no business in League Two. On his day he can be unplayable, a wrecking ball of a winger with strength, pace and skill. He can score, assist and is flexible to play anywhere he is asked.
Last season was a brief hiccup in a career which has seen plenty of success. With Anderson, Colchester have strengthened their squad ina major way, and if it is a sign of things to come, fans might finally have something to look forward to.
Editor In Chief
