 After making just 10 appearances during his first two full seasons at Layer Road, he broke into the first team squad during the 2001–02 season and signed a new two-and-a-half year contract in October 2001.Pinault remained with Colchester United until his contract expired at the end of the 2003–04 season, by which time he had made 157 appearances and scored seven goals for the club.After an unsuccessful trial with Dundee United and turning down a contract from Northampton Town, Pinault signed a one-year contract with League Two club Grimsby Town on a free transfer in July 2004.