LONDON – Jevani Brown believes he could have made a more significant impact at Colchester with more opportunities but said it was now time for a “new challenge” after being let go by the southeast England club.
The former Young Reggae Boyz attacking midfielder was one of several players, along with Guyana international Callum Harriott, not offered new contracts following the just-concluded season.
Brown, 26, who featured for Jamaica at Under-17 level nearly a decade ago, said while he was disappointed to be leaving Colchester, the two-year spell had been a valuable learning experience.
“I had goals this season, and I feel I could have achieved them given more of a chance, I guess,” he told media here.
“But that’s how football goes sometimes, and you can’t dwell on it too much. The way I’m looking at it is that a new challenge now awaits.
“I’m still grateful for the two years I’ve had at Colchester, and I’ve learned a lot – even stuff about myself and in general as well.
“I’m grateful for my time here, and I wish everyone all the best.”
Brown looked well on his way to becoming one of the league’s leading marksman when he netted two hat-tricks in the space of a week last November.
However, the goals quickly dried up, and Brown found himself sidelined, ending the season with 11 in all competitions.
“There have been ups and downs, but that’s just part of life, I would say,” said Brown, who joined Colchester from their League Two rivals Cambridge United in 2019.
“It’s not always going to be smooth sailing, so you’ve just got to take it on the chin, and it’s how you bounce back from it.
“I thought my second season started very well. I started the season with reasonable confidence. Bally (former head coach Steve Ball) had faith in me from the first day I went back for pre-season.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s part of football, and I’ve just got to look ahead now. It’s time for a new journey, I guess.”
Brown said he had discovered new qualities during the recent campaign, used primarily as an attacking midfielder throughout his career.
“If it weren’t for this season, I wouldn’t have learned that I can play as a nine on my own and also how much I enjoyed playing it as well,” he pointed out.
“It does open up more aspects to my game which hopefully, I can develop in years to come.
“Instead of putting myself forward for one position, I can now put myself forward for a few positions, which can always help.”
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