U’s Transfer Review: 2006/7

Transfer Review: 2006/7

Vital Colchester evaluates last summer`s Colchester United transfers, both in and out, after one full season in the Championship as U`s fans await the first formal arrival of the new close-season.

How did they perform? See our full list of hit and miss ratings?

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Transfers (In):

Johnnie Jackson, Tottenham: Free
Jamie Cureton, Swindon: Free
Chris Barker, Cardiff Loan
Lauwrie Wilson, Charlton: Free
Kevin McLeod, Swansea: Free
Robbie King, From Trainee

Transfers (Out):

Neil Danns, Birmingham: £500,000
Mark Yeates, Tottenham: Loan, Returning
Liam Chilvers, Preston: Free
Scott Vernon, Blackpool: Loan, Returning
Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Southend: Loan Returning
Sam Stockley, Wycombe: Free
Tony Thorpe, Stevenage: Free

Johnnie Jackson verdict: Hit

Out of contract with Tottenham and after already having been impressive during a loan spell, Jackson was signed permanently to provide competition in central attacking midfield and was touted as a possible replacement for Neil Danns, whose contract was also up as he left the club.

Jacko has taken a while to break into the first team side, having been on the verge of selection for Spurs in 2004 before injury and loss of constancy, but weighed in with two goals. If Richard Garcia departs this summer and no new faces arrive, expect him to start more often.

Jamie Cureton verdict: resounding Hit

Released by Swindon Town due to a clause in his contract, Jamie Cureton had already formed a superb partnership with Chris Iwelumo as the U`s won promotion during 2005-2006.

During a ten-game loan spell, long-time admirer Phil Parkinson had seen the 31-year-old score seven goals in 10 games and he went on to net another 24, becoming the Championship`s top marksman, last term.
Now looking for the ninth club of this career after high-profile transfer request.

Chris Barker verdict: Hit

A late arrival into the side, the Cardiff loanee with quietly efficient as he dislodged George Elukobi from the left back spot.

The only played to be sent off for the U`s last season, although was nominated by U`s skipper Karl Duguid as the club`s player of the season.

Lauwrie Wilson verdict: Miss

Although rated a miss, the man brought in for cover at right back never donned the U`s stripes in his one season at the club, and has been released this summer.

His opportunities were limited to reserve games only due to the good form of Greg Halford and then Duguid. John White`s appearances, also deployed at right back, saw Wilson unused.

Kevin McLeod verdict: Hit

The Liverpudlian winger arrived with a bit of a reputation after spats with his former manager at Swansea and left after a dispute over his contract.

He arrived in Essex without scoring a hat-trick on his debut, as he had for his previous club, but did net two goals in consecutive home games against Southampton (his first start) and Cardiff.

Limited to just over half-a-dozen games and out with an injury toward the end of the campaign, but a decent acquisition on a free and gave the manager a different way of getting at opposing full-backs.

Robbie King verdict: Jury still out

The jury is still out on Robbie King, a product of the U`s prolific youth system whose make-or-break year will be next season. Still only 21, King was an unused sub three times last term and went on a work-experience loan with a non-league team.

Out (Summary):

Neil Danns` sixteen goals from midfield as the side won promotion and went on to face Premiership giants Chelsea gained him admirers, although he has struggled to establish himself with Birmingham over the long-term, netting three goals. This has caused speculation that the former Blackburn apprentice may move to Nottingham Forest, which the player has denied.

Another key figure as the side won promotion was Liam Chilvers, who has been the most successful young player to leave Colchester United in recent times by cementing a place a starting place with Preston.

The Chelmsford-born full back, who was tempted by a new U`s contract offer, has done well at Deepdale.

Mark Yeates returned to Tottenham before Phil Parkinson called for his services on loan at Hull City, where he had a miserable spell in the season just ended, altough he had been a key part of the promotion squad.

Yeates’ Hull loan was terminated just days after Parky endured the sack at City and he then went to for another Leicester City in January, scoring in his first game.

Scott Vernon, who expressed a desire to stay with the club following promotion, was a loan from Blackpool, who have since gained promotion.

He weighed a vital gaol against Bournemouth that put Colchester within reach of promotion and is also famously remembered as the man who helped Oldham Athletic dump Manchester City out of the FA Cup a few years back.

After helping ‘Pool gain promotion during 2006-7, the striker is said to have been offered a new contract, although is being consistently linked with a Layer Road return.