Former Leyton Orient full-back Rob Hunt has signed for League Two side Colchester United after the defender was not offered a new contract.
The 28-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract with the U’s and becomes the club’s fifth summer signing as manager Danny Cowley looks to put his stamp down on the squad.
Speaking with the club’s media team, Rob had this to say.
“I’m delighted to get the deal over the line and get going on the first day of pre-season.”
“There were a few phone calls and then I met Danny and Nicky and they were two positive people.
“We had a good chat about football and went through a presentation. It was good to see and I’m delighted to be working with them.”
Who is Rob Hunt?
Rob was a product of the Brighton academy coming through from U18 to the senior squad where he went on to make five appearances.
The defender had his first taste of senior football with Oldham Athletic in the 16/17 season where he was sent out on loan in the January window, he went on to appear 10 times in the League during this particular loan spell.
The defender then joined Oldham permanently for the 17-18 season, playing a total of 33 games in League One as Oldham were relegated to League Two. Hunt continued with Oldham for the 18/19 season and went on to play 38 matches during the League Two season.
During a Covid hit 19-20 season, Rob joined up with then Swindon manager Richie Wellens for a second time as Swindon won the league on points per game as the season was suspended. He would go on to make a total of 107 appearances for Swindon Town.
The defender then linked up with Richie Wellens for a third time at Leyton Orient as the defender was signed at the start of the 22/23 season, a season in which Leyton Orient won League Two. He would go on to make 72 appearances for The O’s.
Is This Good Business From Colchester?
Rob is a very experienced full-back with nearly 150 games at the League Two level as well as being a part of two title-winning seasons. Hunt is more of a defensive-minded full-back and is a reliable and consistent performer when called upon. The defender compared to other fullbacks last season in League One won 61.5% of his defensive duels which ranked him in the 94% percentile. He is also very strong in the air winning on average 2.07 aerial duels per 90 ranking him in the 75% percentile for fullbacks last season in League One.
Colchester will be hoping this signing along with other defensive signings in Ben Goodliffe and Goalkeeper Matt Macey can help The U’s defensively as they kept only 5 clean sheets last season which was the second worst in the division.