10:29am Monday 6th July 2009
By Jonathan Waldron
Colchester United are still keen on signing goalkeeper Ben Williams – despite a potential swap deal falling through.
And the U's are also closing in on signing a new striker.
Colchester boss Paul Lambert is set to make a fresh move for Carlisle United shot-stopper Williams, after a swap deal involving Colchester striker Scott Vernon collapsed.
It is believed that any deal for Williams depends on whether Carlisle manager Greg Abbott is able to sign a replacement goalkeeper.
Colchester are also making good progress in the pursuit of a new centre-forward, with several Coca-Cola Championship strikers on the hit-list.
Meanwhile, Vernon will not be rushed into a move away from Colchester.
The 25-year-old striker, who rejected a move to Carlisle, has found his first-team opportunities limited under U’s boss Lambert.
However, he said he will not be hurried into leaving Colchester.
And the former Blackpool striker is willing to stay and fight for his place at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
Vernon told the Gazette: “My view is that I don’t want to jump into something too soon.
“I want to weigh up my options and I don’t want to rush into anything.
“If I get the chance, I’d like to stay at Colchester.
“I’ve spoken to the gaffer about the situation and we’re speaking regularly.
“I’m 25 years old and I just want to play regularly – I have to base my decision on that.”
Vernon is expecting to continue his build up to the new season with Colchester.
“I’ll train hard and try and get as much out of pre-season as I can – whatever happens will happen,” he added.
“Ideally, I will be starting the season with the team I am with in the long-term.”
Vernon initially joined Colchester on loan from Blackpool in 2006, helping them win promotion from Coca-Cola League One.
He made a permanent switch to the U’s in January 2008 and has since made more than 50 league and cup appearances for the club, scoring nine times.
Colchester club captain Chris Coyne is due back at the club today after being granted an extended break due to his international commitments.
Coyne, who is hoping to be part of Australia’s squad for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, has been linked with a move away from the U’s, with Perth Glory leading the chase for his signature.
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