U's won't be caught short this summer, insists Ward (From Essex County Standard)

U's won't be caught short this summer, insists Ward

9:30am Wednesday 6th June 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

John Ward has assured supporters that Colchester United will not be “caught short” in the transfer market this summer.

It has been a relatively quiet close season at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, to date.

Striker Kayode Odejayi’s departure to Rotherham last month has been the only significant deal to take place.

But the U’s still have a number of players who are out of contract and yet to put pen to paper on new deals.

Colchester boss Ward admitted new arrivals are unlikely at Colchester, this month.

But he revealed he is talking to potential new signings and stressed that plans are in place to strengthen the U’s squad, ahead of the big kick-off on August 18.

Ward said: “I can assure supporters that we will not be caught short.

“I have a lot of experience in these things and Robbie is a shrewd man.

“We have very good contacts, so they can rest assured that everything will be in order for the new season.

“This year is going to be different to last.

“We have different financial constraints, which everyone is aware of.

“We don’t want to dwell on that but it’s going to need a lot more care and attention and that’s exactly what’s happening.

“We will wait to see what the (out-of-contract) players want to do.

“But I think once July comes around, players will want to start their pre-season and I expect a lot of phone calls towards the end of this month.

“That’s how it’ll work and it’s still pretty quiet on the transfer front, in general.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Wednesday's Gazette.