Ryan Dickson is delighted to have tied the knot with Crawley – three days before he gets married.

Dickson joined Reds on a two-year deal yesterday along with Lanre Oyebanjo as manager John Gregory stepped up his squad rebuilding plans.

The 27-year-old left-back plumped for Crawley despite interest from a number of other clubs as he was keen to get his future sorted out before his wedding.

Dickson said: “There were a few clubs interested and I could have stayed at Colchester but the gaffer (Gregory) was very keen on getting something done as soon as possible which suited me.

“Most clubs seem to want to wait until late June to get things done but I wanted to get my future sorted out before the wedding.

“That was a factor but Crawley also ticks all the boxes for me. The gaffer really sold the club to me when we met and I am excited about the direction Crawley is going.

“It has been a really hectic time. I’ve only just got back from my stag do and then I was meeting with different clubs so I haven’t even had time to book the honeymoon yet!”

Dickson arrives as a ready-made replacement for Mat Sadler who had his contract offer withdrawn earlier this week.

The defender has played more than 200 first team games during a career which has taken him to eight different clubs, including Southampton, Brentford, Plymouth and Leyton Orient.

Reds also had to beat off stiff competition from League One rivals to land right-back Oyebanjo.

The 24-year-old was been chased by a number of other clubs after turning down a new contract with York City who he helped to the League Two play-offs last season.

Gregory said: “Lanre will be a terrific signing for us. and I’m delighted to have him here because he’s a player I have been keen to sign for a number of months now.

“I was really impressed with Ryan when I saw him on a number of occasions last season. Several clubs at our level were keen to sign him but he’s excited about what we are trying to build at Crawley.”