Aaron Barnes leaves Charlton Athletic – as Colchester United sign defender

Colchester United have signed Aaron Barnes from Charlton Athletic.

Addicks academy boss Steve Avory told the club’s website: “In his five years here, he’s been an important player to whichever team he’s been in at that time, but he certainly needed some senior experience at this stage.

“Now he has the opportunity to get a move to a league club and I couldn’t be more pleased for him because it was becoming more difficult for him to see a pathway here beyond the successful one he has been on so far.

“Aaron has progressed here in every year he’s been with us. He’s such a good trainer, wants to learn, listens, asks questions, loves the game and just always wants to become better. He loves the game and is a real, solid character who you can rely on both on and off the field.

“We have the highest regard for him and his family and wish him all the best in the future.”