Colchester`s £500,000 Bid Rejected For Jones

Colchester United`s £500,000 bid to make Rob Jones the most expensive player ever has failed.

Scottish club Hibernian are keen to keep the 29-year-old man-mountain, whose current contract has eighteen months to run.

The former Grimsby and Celtic man has obviously impressed Paul Lambert and any of the three different bids made by Colchester for the player had been accepted, but he appears an indispensible team-member.

Mixu Paatelainen told the Scotsman:

“We have no intention of losing Rob and I’m pretty confident he will stay here.

“I have no problem with bids coming in.

This is a time when every club is looking to improve and Colchester obviously feel Rob would improve them so they tried to get him.

“I have no problem with that. It’s within everyone’s right to do that, as long as it is done it within the rules and also in a correct manner.

“I have spoken to Rob. He’s fine and realises the situation. His performances have been excellent, even after the first bid.

“I’m hoping he continues to be first call after this one.

“We don’t have to sell. Rob is a big player for Hibs who has been fantastic for us this season. I can see him staying beyond the window.”

U’s boss Lambert is reportedly happy with the current crop of central defenders, with Pat Baldwin, Matt Heath, Paul Reid and Chris Coyne in contention for a starting place.

It looks like this saga is over!