Steve Whitton said today he is still searching for that elusive striker who is going to score the goals to keep Colchester United in the Second Division.

Whitton also made the point that everyone of his players who will be out of contract at the end of the season, plus himself, is now fighting for his very future.

That adds up to around 15 - Bobby Bowry, Pat Baldwin, Marc Canham, Scott Fitzgerald, Gavin Johnson, Joe Keith, Scott McGleish, Adrian Coote, Kevin Rapley, Mick Stockwell, Richard McKinney, Mark Warren, Alan White, Simon Atangana and Chris Keeble (currently operating on short term deals).

Whitton's five strikers particularly - McGleish, Rapley, Coote, Dean Morgan and Simon Atangana - have found the going tough this term, scoring only ten goals between them.

Only four other clubs - Huddersfield, Cheltenham, Northampton, Chesterfield - have scored fewer goals and although he brought in Crystal Palace front-runner Gareth Williams on loan last Thursday, the U's boss said another striker is at the top of his wanted list.

"Williams is going to be a good player and I hope he clicks," said Whitton, "But we still need someone else.

"It's no secret that we've not had enough goal threat and anyone who scores now has a chance to cement a place for himself in ther first team."

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003

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