No U's signings imminent, says Dunne (From Essex County Standard)

No U's signings imminent, says Dunne

5:15pm Monday 28th May 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Colchester United may have to be patient in their pursuit of new signings this summer, according to assistant manager Joe Dunne.

While he stressed that the club are busy in their hunt for new faces, U’s number two Dunne has admitted there is unlikely to be too much transfer activity at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in the next few weeks.

The U’s are still waiting for answers from out-of-contract stars such as Ben Williams, Magnus Okuonghae and skipper Kem Izzet on whether or not they are staying, next season.

And with so many players currently away on holiday no new signings are imminent, according to Dunne.

He said: “I think a lot of squads will start to take place in July or even early August and the key thing is that we improve our squad.

“There are only a small number of clubs who will recruit straight away.

“The likes of Preston North End and Rotherham have been an exception to the rule so far.

“But that’s mainly because players have left them, allowing them to bring several new players in.

“It happens every season - unless you have a big exodus of players, it’s rare that a team takes shape in May or June.

“We have a list of players we’re interested in.

“We will be constantly adding and subtracting to and from that list.

“It’s inevitable that we’ll target players who other clubs will want but that is the same every season.

“Everyone else is looking for the same thing but the important thing is that we improve.

“The financial climate has changed and every single day, we’re looking at who has been released.”

l Former U’s striker Clive Platt has left Coventry City to join League Two side Northampton Town.

Platt, 34, has agreed a two-year deal with the Cobblers and will link up again with ex-Colchester boss Aidy Boothroyd, at Sixfields.