Colchester United could steal a potential Gillingham target as Danny Cowley’s side begin to make transfer moves.
The U’s had a very strong finish to their League Two season but fell narrowly short of the playoffs and ended three points behind Chesterfield in seventh place. The Essex side have kept hold of a majority of last season’s squad in their retained list, but are looking short in a couple of positions, including centre-back.
Youth International Defender Targeted
With three of last season’s central defenders currently considering new deals at the club, Cowley’s attention has seemingly turned to recruiting a new option in George Stanger. The Daily Record has stated that Colchester are interested in the free agent, who left Scottish Championship side Ayr United after his contract expired last month.
The New Zealand youth international played 79 times for the club managed by Celtic legend Scott Brown, including 36 of their matches this season as they missed out on promotion to the top flight. However, Colchester are not the only League Two club interested, with previous reports linking him to Gareth Ainsworth’s Gillingham.
The Kent side have lost stalwart Max Ehmer and are in the market for a new defender, with their interest in the 24-year-old extended back to January. Ainsworth’s side have already made big moves in the window with the re-signing of Bradley Dack and a long-term contract for former Newport County man Seb Palmer-Houlden in attack.
Writers’ View
With uncertainty surrounding key players like Fiacre Kelleher, Tom Flanagan and Frankie Terry, it seems that Colchester United are taking the initiative and looking at potential replacements for them. George Stanger has been a pivotal part of Ayr’s season and whilst they fell short in the playoffs, they have been a top side in the Scottish second tier. With the key squad staying at United, adding a reinforcement like Stanger could be a big part of their progression towards promotion next season.
