Colchester’s Yeates: 100 K Snip!

New reports say the undisclosed six-figure Colchester United paid Tottenham for Irish winger Mark Yeates was just £100,000.

The 22-year-old terrace favourite, enjoying a second spell with the U’s, has slotted back into Layer Road life, arrived in June during the same week Colchester also captured Clive Platt and Teddy Sheringham amid speculation over his value.

Yeates has played an important role in the opening games with Sheffield United, Shrewsbury and Barnsley and, given his age, versatility and desire to impress with penetrating runs, the revelation over his economical price will delight fans.

The fact that he cost so little, as reported across the national sports media since the start of the season, and in an inflated market, also reflects well on manager Geriant Williams, whose recruitment policy had been severely questioned.