Gerken Set To Make U’s Return

Colchester United stopper Dean Gerken is set to return to North Essex earlier than expected, due to Darlington’s financial problems.

The Quakers entered administration earlier this week and had ten-points deducted as a punishment. Gerken had been on loan at the Northern Echo Darlington Arena and was in the second of a two month loan spell.

However, due to recent events the 23-year-old may have to return to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

U’s manager Paul Lambert said: ‘Dean might be coming back soon. He might have to, with Darlington’s current plight.

‘I’ll be having a chat with Dave Penney (Quakers manager) over the next few days, but Dean will probably be coming back.’

The U’s current first-choice ‘keeper Jimmy Walker’s loan from West Ham is set to expire on Thursday, so Gerken could be needed.

Vital Colchester’s new poll, located on the right of the screen, asks: Walker to leave, Gerken back: Confident?