The Watford Observer claims the deal that was agreed for hard-hitting midfielder John-Joe O’Toole to sign for Colchester United saw £275,000 travel in the other direction – a fee that looks a shrewd purchase in an otherwise inflated market.
O’Toole, who looks set to miss the U’s showdown with Norwich, penned a two-and-half-year contract in North Essex last week after impressing on a temporary basis. No news of a transfer fee was announced at the time, something that left many U’s fans, including myself, deep in thought on the matter.
However, now many are likely to be happy to hear of the £275,000 value involved, with an initial figure of £400,000 being touted around the rumour mill. O’Toole’s then-parent club Watford – a side in financial difficulty – were also unable to include a sell-on clause in the deal, something that is likely to work in the U’s favour.
The former Sheffield United loanee was once a player on the end of strong rumours concerning a £1,000,000 + move to the Premier League. 
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Good price! That is about the amount I think I suggested I would pay had I been manager…!
Plenty of speculation that the Hornets have actually saved £700k+ with John Joe moving on due to wages etc. O’Toole was on £4k a week at Watford and had a couple of years to run so its more a case of cost cutting. £275k fee could be a steal though if he stays on the straight and narrow.
Yeah, am happy to have him for that price. Up the U’s!
Nice saving there for them, OJJ!