With Leon Cort departing to Crystal Palace for a new club record fee, Michael became new manager Phil Parkinson's first signing for the Tigers when he was recruited from Brentford in a three-year deal.

The big centre-back arrives for a fee of £350,000 - the most the Tigers have ever paid for a defender.

Lewisham-born Michael came through the ranks at Premiership Charlton Athletic. Although he became captain of the Addicks reserves, he didn't make the breakthrough in to their first team.

His first taste of senior action came in a 7-game loan spell at Leyton Orient towards the end of the 2002-03 season.

Michael had to wait another year before he was given a chance of a second loan stint. This time it was at Brentford.

Three weeks before making his only previous appearance at the KC Stadium (City won a League One game 2-0 with a brace from Stuart Elliott), he agreed to join Martin Allen's Bees on a permanent basis in November 2004.

Michael became the mainstay in the heart of their defence over his two seasons at Griffin Park.

He claimed the players` 'Player of the Year' award in his first full season, then was Bees' only ever present in their 2005-06 league campaign when he won the supporters' Player of the Year award.

Brentford reached the League One Play-Offs in both his seasons in West London. He made a total of 110 appearances in all competitions and scored three goals.

Especially as they were one of Colchester United's leading promotion rivals, Phil Parkinson had good reason to admire Michael's skills: "He's a player that I've watched for a number of years, firstly with Charlton reserves and then obviously with Brentford.

"I like him a lot and believe he'll be an excellent signing for us because he's ready to play Championship football. Michael was the best central defender in League One last season and is ready to step up."

Michael become the first player to move directly between the Tigers and Brentford.

He faced a difficult first term at the KC as the Tigers battled against relegation.

However, Michael came through it with flying colours as he was named the Supporters' Club's Player of the Year and, with a spectular and crucial winner at Luton Town in March, also won the vote for the Tigers' Goal of the Season prize.