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U`s Transfer Review 2008

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U`s Transfer Review 2008/9

Colchester United moved to their new Weston Homes Community Stadium in 2008/9 with a smattering of new faces but no immediate return to the Championship.

Here, Vital Colchester rates each of the major signings made between June 2007 and January 2008, in the campaign just ended.

Main Transfers (In):

Matthew Lockwood: Nottingham Forest, Free
Paul Reid: Barnsley, Free
Steve Gillespie: Cheltenham, £400,000
David Perkins: Rochdale Undisclosed
Akanni-Sunday Wasiu: Non-league, Free
Marc Tierney: Shrewsbury, Undisclosed
Simon Hackney: Carlisle, £105,000
Jimmy Walker: West Ham, Loan (Since Returned)
Ashley Vincent: Cheltenham, Loan (Since Signed)
Sam Corcoran: From Trainee

Additional: Seven Loanees


Main Transfers (Out):

Bela Balogh: MTK, Loan Returning
Kevin McLeod: Brighton: Free
Danny Granville: Leyton Orient: Free
Karl Duguid: Plymouth: Undisclosed
Teddy Sheringham: Retired
Aidan Davison: Retired
Kevin Lisbie: Ipswich, £600,000
Luke Guttridge: Northampton, Free
Kevin Watson: Luton, Free
Fabian Batchelor: Loan, Greys

Additional: Seven Loaned

Matthew Lockwood: Vital Verdict – MISS

A former skipper and goal-scoring free-kick taker, it is fair to say that U`s fans have not see the best of Lockwood since his arrival last summer. Replaced by Mark Tierney, Lockwood found himself loaned to Barnet last term and is unlikely to feature again this season for United.
Injury limited Lockwood to just a handful of games in 2008/9

Paul Reid: Vital Verdict – HIT

Reid, another former skipper, was a very astute capture by Ex-boss Geraint Williams last summer. He formed an impressive partnership with Pat Baldwin and, despite ending the season with a serious injury, will be a key player for Colchester next season.

Steve Gillespie: Vital Verdict – Jury Still Out

Gilly has delighted the fans whenever he has been fit enough to score, and has brilliant potential. Paul Lambert seems keen to give him opportunities to prove just why he is Colchester`s all-time record signing next season. Scored a very good goal against Ipswich in the Carling Cup last year, and two on the opening day. More to come from the injury-blighted forward…?

David Perkins: Vital Verdict – HIT

Perks found the net a few times last term but is unlikely to feature much in his preferred position of central midfielder when Kem Izzet, a potential partnering team-mate, is equally as small in height. Perkins could fill a role in support of strikers next season as the U`s have a lot of potential to experiment with formations, and few forwards.

Akanni-Sunday Wasiu: Vital Verdict – MISS

Wasiu just didn`t cut the Colchester mustard after signing from non-league last summer and was loaned to Luton by new manager, Paul Lambert. Lambert says Wasiu just doesn`t have the quality to make it as a top-class striker. He was not offered a contract extension and has been released after getting just two gaols.

Marc Tierney: Vital Veridct – HIT

Paul Lambert`s best signing to date came in similar circumstances to now-skipper Dean Hammond, the previous year. Telling his former club Shrewsbury he would not accept a new deal, Tierney used tenacity to make the left back spot his own.

Simon Hackney: Vital Verdit – HIT

Hackers was drafted in from Carlisle in January after impressing Paul Lambert before he was Colchester boss. Pace and youth make him an ideal wing signing and he will be looking to improve on his past efforts next term for the club.

Jimmy Walker: Vital Verdict – Jury Still Out

Walker is a solid goalie who initially did well when arriving from West Ham, although soon his lack of height and a slight loss of confidence saw him conceding goals. Has considered a return to the club but Lambert confirmed that he may look for a bigger club now, being a free agent. Move looks unlikely now, give the Ben Williams interest.

Ashley Vincent: Vital Verdict – HIT

Although called inconsistent by some Cheltenham fans, the winger/striker had an impressive season in a relegation-dogged side last term. The 24-year-old has plenty of experience and his versatility should serve as an asset as he looks to the future.

Sam Corcoran: Vital Verdict – Jury Still Out

Another youth graduate from the academy the midfielder has been known for his signing abilities on the team bus as well as some good reserve showings on the pitch! Given a professional contract and substitute debut by Lambert, the future looks bright for this young man. Often linked up with the squad last term to gain experience.

To see Vital’s review from 2007, click here
To see the review from 2006, click here


How do you rate last season’s investments?

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5 comments

  • Matt_Us says:

    I always get at least one of these wrong, (Ifil 2008, McLeod 2007) Can’t win ’em all!

  • StevieG Col U says:

    Wouldn’t say I largely disagree with any there. Top stuff, Matt. Think Corocan will be a really good player and could play a bigger role than many expect next season.

  • ooohhJohnnieJackson says:

    Not sure on Vincent myself

  • Matt_Us says:

    I haven’t seen much of him live, so all good! We’ve probably got to accept that many in the current squad will be inconsistent… Hammond and Baldwin are the only pair i expect automatically to have a good (and more) season!

  • Matt_Us says:

    I mean, we ‘have’ to accept it because well, look – we just signed Williams over Walker. Could be more of an investement but the younge guy has much to prove!

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