Mark Cousins has ended his long association with Colchester United to join Dagenham and Redbridge on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who progressed through their youth ranks at Colchester, has left to join the Daggers on a two-year deal after rejecting a new contract at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Cousins, who had been the longest-serving player in the current U's squad, signed a two-year professional deal with the U's in 2006.

He made his senior Colchester debut when he came on as a substitute in their game against Barnsley in August 2007, after Dean Gerken had been sent off.

Cousins went on to make 70 league and cup appearances for the U's but failed to play a single senior game for Joe Dunne's side last season, owing to the final form of Sam Walker.

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