U`s: We`ll Back Geraint With Loans

Colchester United`s transfer frenzy in 2008, which has already seen four new arrivals, could be far from over. The club yesterday promised to back him during the emergency loan window, if other targets also become available.

The U`s have just announced a record profit off the back of their debut Championship season in 2006/7 and some of that money has been spent on the team this month; the club twice broke the record fee outlay, first on Chris Coyne and then fellow defender Phil Ifil. It is the third time the U`s have done so this season, with Clive Platt arriving for £300,000 from MK Dons during the summer.

In a report in the EADT yesterday, club Chief Executive Marie Partner told the local newspaper that the club would be prepared to sanction further deals on loan.

Partner said: “There were obviously extra costs incurred from all the players signed in the January transfer window, but if the manager needs some loan signings, perhaps due to injuries or suspensions, then he will have those funds.”

The Essex club made an operational gain of £2.6 million surplus, but Partner added: “We have also been careful not to upset the wage structure at the club. It’s important to keep a similar level of wages between the new players coming in, and those already with us.”