Former Walsall, Leyton Orient and Bolton Wanderers striker Conor Wilkinson has left League Two side Colchester United by mutual consent.
The 29-year-old did not feature in pre-season for Danny Cowley’s side, and has made a mere eight substitute appearances since joining from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell just seven months ago. He was recruited just after former manager Matty Etherington left the club, but before Cowley took over.
“Conor is a decent footballer, but sometimes the fit isn’t quite right between the player and the club and we have to do what’s in the best interests of not just the club, but the player himself,” said the 45-year-old former Portsmouth, Lincoln and Huddersfield coach.
“We wish Conor the very best in his future career, and thank him for the hard work and effort he put in last season in his time with us.”
Wilkinson began his career in Millwall’s academy, before joining then-Championship side Bolton Wanderers. He appeared 17 times for the Trotters across a four-season stay, but had multiple loan spells with the likes of Chester, Torquay United, Oldham, Newport, Portsmouth and Chesterfield, without ever being prolific.
A permanent stint at Gillingham brought just four goals in 50 outings, but 12 in 24 for Dagenham convinced Orient to invest in his services. That brought the most prolific spell of his career in terms of EFL goals, with 20 from 74 outings, and a further seven in 30 from a spell with Walsall before moving north of the border.
Colchester began their campaign with an entertaining, albeit disappointing, 4-2 defeat against AFC Wimbledon. However, hopes were raised that the Cowley-era is up and running with a 3-3 draw against League One side Reading in the League Cup, followed by a 4-3 win on penalties. They now host Premier League side Brentford in the next round, but only after league matches against MK Dons and Harrogate Town.
Writer’s View
Danny Cowley knows what he likes and what he doesn’t, and he’s always fair with players. He’s also well-known for squeezing every last drop of budget into his squad, so it’s no surprise a player likely to be on decent money had been allowed to depart. That gives Cowley a little more wiggle room over the coming weeks as he seeks to build out his squad.
Colchester could be dark horses this season, as Cowley is assembling a side of players he worked with before and those who are likely to fit his style of play. He’s been a success in this division and knows exactly what he needs to do the same again.
Sadly, for Conor Wilkinson, at least, he isn’t a part of that. Cowley has allowed him to now go and find a club for the season, rather than letting him rot, which is a good move for both parties.
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