Colchester United transfer deadline signings Ben May and Mike Edwards could get their first taste of Division Two football tomorrow.

Snapped up on loan for the remainder of the season before yesterday's 5pm deadline, 19-year-old Millwall striker May and experienced ex-Hull City central defender Edwards, 22, are both in the squad for the U's Layer Road clash with Swindon Town.

U's boss Phil Parkinson said: "As far as May is concerned I felt we needed some cover up front having let Simon Atangana go.

"May's a big, strong lad, a hungry young player who has already played Division One football for Millwall.

"Mark McGhee has kindly let him come to us. He is keen to impress and we like his spirit.

"Edwards on the other hand already has bags of League experience. He is happy to play anywhere along the back four and we have brought him in to cover ourselves from all angles."

May and Edwards join Spurs left sided defender Johnnie Jackson who extended his loan spell, also to the end of the season, 24 hours earlier.

Parkinson, meanwhile, urged the Layer Road fans to give the U's players a great reception after a run of results that has seen them suffer just one defeat in 11 outings.

He also paid tribute to U's physio Frank Reepe who leaves the club after the Swindon game.

He said: "I am very disappointed that Frank's going. He's been very professional while I have been here, but he wants to further his studies and the club did not want to step in his way.

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Published Friday, March 28, 2003

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