Colchester United set for busy final end to transfer window

With seven new signings arriving at the JobServe Community Stadium and a host of players leaving at the end of last season, it’s been a pretty transitional time all in all, over recent weeks.

But there’s still time for plenty more to happen – and there are likely to be a number of further deals struck between now and when the transfer window closes at 11pm, on Friday night.

READ MORE: U's braced for busy week of arrivals and departures

“We know where we want to get the squad to and hopefully we can do some good business this week and really strengthen the team,” said U’s boss Ben Garner, after last weekend’s 3-0 triumph at Gillingham.

Garner has already stated publicly the need for Colchester to recruit a new central midfielder, ideally to play alongside Arthur Read.

The departure of Ossama Ashley to League Two rivals Salford City has left a void in that part of the pitch and the injury suffered by Ellis Iandolo, who can play in the central midfield role, has increased the need to reinforce in that area.

With Charlton having recently dismissed their manager Dean Holden and Conor McGrandles having played under Garner there, it could be a move that might suit all parties.

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Colchester are also likely to target a new centre-back before the window closes, particularly with both Nico Lawrence and Tom Dallison set for a spell on the sidelines through injury.

The duo’s absence leaves the U’s a little light in that area and it would be a surprise to many if they did not add to their ranks in that position, while they still can.

Another area where injuries might prompt Colchester to act before Friday’s deadline is in attack.

John Akinde and Tom Hopper are not likely to be out long term but Samson Tovide’s three-match suspension showed how much he is missed when unavailable, particularly given his sparkling performance against Gillingham.

Bradley Ihionvien’s excellent first-ever senior goal in the same game showed just how much talent he has got and the pair linked up well together but it is a long, hard season and Garner will feel he needs backing in every area of the pitch.

Other positions that Colchester might look at strengthening in the coming days might well depend on departures.

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The fact that Junior Tchamadeu is still a Colchester United player at this late stage of the transfer window is a pleasant surprise to many, given the firm interest he has had this summer after his excellent season, last time around.

Time will tell whether or not the talented 19-year-old will still be at the club when they travel to play Walsall in League Two on Saturday but if does depart, the U’s are likely to want a replacement in place.

There are other players within the Colchester squad who have struggled for minutes so far this season any may well depart, before the window slams shut.

Matt Jay’s limited game time in the U’s opening five games of the season might prompt a move away before the deadline, especially with Noah Chilvers currently seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order for selection.

Alex Newby might be another to possibly depart, although the former Rochdale playmaker’s positive impact as a second-half substitute at Gillingham last weekend might well alter whether or not that happens.

With Sam Hornby left out of the Colchester squad for the last two games, with summer signings Owen Goodman and Tom Smith seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, it could mean the ex-Bradford City goalkeeper might depart in search of regular football.

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Colchester have already allowed the likes of Frankie Terry and Harry Beadle to depart to National League South clubs on loan and more youngsters could well follow, before the window closes.

The likes of Marley Marshall Miranda, Chay Cooper and Gene Kennedy are yet to be involved with Colchester’s first team so far this season and that could mean possible loan deals negotiated.

Of course, there could well be one or two unexpected deals done, too.

There’s always some surprises along the way on deadline day and there’s every chance this year, things could go right down to the wire for Colchester United.