HARRY Pell says moving to Accrington Stanley is a 'big move' for him and his family after joining them from Colchester United.

The former U's skipper has joined the League One side on a three-year deal today, having been one of a number of players to have left the JobServe Community Stadium.

Pell says he is looking forward to his new challenge, after agreeing to join John Coleman's side.

The 29-year-old told the Accrington Stanley website: “Every time I have come here, I have hated playing here, coming up against the gaffer’s teams. They are high energy, horrible to play against, loads of enthusiasm and I think that’s why I will get on here.

“I have seen the way the team have played and I am looking to come in here and stamp a bit of my own authority on it and looking to add to what the gaffer has going on here.

“When I knew Accrington Stanley was interested, I came down here and was blown away by what the club is trying to do, the way they are trying to do it and the togetherness is key for me.

“It’s something I have taken time to think about as it’s a big move for me and my family, it’s one I am really excited about.”

Pell has left Colchester after three years, having made nearly 100 league and cup appearances for the club.

The former Cheltenham Town and Hereford United player spent this season as U's captain and scored 13 times.

Coleman says he is looking forward to working with the tenacious midfielder.

Coleman told the Accrington Stanley website: "We'd identified him quite a while ago, I think he's a winner, he wants to work hard and he wants to commit himself to the club which is great.

"These types of players don't come around very often and a lot of people try to sign them, thankfully we won the race and I'm hoping for a really good spell with him.

"I'm looking forward to working with him and I think the fans will be delighted by his attitude once they see him play."