Following a nervy victory over Fleetwood, Colchester United approach deadline day in high spirits. Currently finding themselves in eighth position, they sit just three points behind the playoff places.
At the time of writing, just one transfer has been completed, Nottingham Forest loanee Josh Powell being recalled and sent out to League Two rivals Fleetwood Town on loan until the end of the season.
Going into the final week, here’s the lowdown on what’s expected to come.
Speaking to BBC Radio Essex on Friday morning, Colchester gaffer Danny Cowley outlined which positions he intends to bolster.
It was revealed; the U’s will attempt to sign a loanee left back, alongside a central midfielder, presumably slightly on the defensive side.
Three loanees out of five allowed per matchday squad currently remain contracted to Colchester (Micah Mbick, Will Goodwin and Harvey Araujo).
However, Mbick’s loan status remains uncertain, due to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion already placing three bids upwards of £4,000,000. Ultimately Charlton have rejected these offers.
Quoting Cowley’s interview, he stated:
“We have three loans at the moment and would like to get five if we could. We are covering every base and every eventuality. I think for them to be permanent signings; they’ll probably have to go out for them to come in.”
Given the reduced budget, as Robbie Cowling looks to sell the club imminently, little wages are available.
Potentially, due to Colchester’s historic record with successful loan spells, players typically inaccessible for League Two clubs may be available for short term loans. With a circling injury crisis, incoming loans are almost guaranteed game-time.
Off the back of Saturday’s fixture, uncertainty surrounding standout forwards Micah Mbick and Kyreece Lisbie’s fitness. Both hobbled off early in the second half, but neither required assistance, eventually participating in the full-time celebrations.
Similarly, central midfielder Teddy Bishop’s remained out of action since New Year’s Day yet seemed to be walking around the stadium without discomfort pre-match. Potentially, this alludes to a potential imminent return for upcoming fixtures.
Bishop’s absence forced right-back Rob Hunt to cover the Central-defensive-midfielder spot since, opening the door for a new central midfielder to join in due course. Additionally, another injury has dragged an additional member of the squad out of position.
Ellis Iandolo’s knee injury reportedly requires surgery, keeping him out of action for between 10-12 weeks, leading to an expectation that an out-and-out left back will join the squad prior to the close of the transfer window.
Regarding departures, Belgian side Zulte Waregem’s interest in Kyreece Lisbie may be postponed, in light of the uncertain scope of the knee injury picked up on Saturday. Perhaps this will be mirroring Brighton’s interest in Micah Mbick, who’s injury allegedly seems more significant. ‘
Given the absence of multiple key players due to injury, Cowley could potentially look to strengthen the squad by filling these gaps.
Cowley has stated in multiple previous interviews that he loves a player on their second loan spell. A prior experience in men’s football, alongside raw potential, characterises Colchester’s loan transfers made in the summer.
Regarding the left-back position, the club will likely seek a like-for-like replacement for Ellis Iandolo. An individual with the ability to make forward runs and create effective link-up play with the winger, alongside a composed presence in possession and out of possession is just what the U’s need to cover the position for the next three months.
A marked upturn in performance occurred following Iandolo’s injury return; thus, a technically similar signing could enhance their play-off ambitions.
