COLCHESTER United spent a total of �138,551 on agents’ fees last season according to the Football League’s latest figures.

COLCHESTER United spent a total of �138,551 on agents’ fees last season according to the Football League’s latest figures.

The U’s – managed briefly by Paul Lambert and then Aidy Boothroyd in the period analysed – made nine permanent signings in that period as well as numerous loan additions (see below for full list).

Of the 72 Football League clubs, 14 did not pay anything to agents last season, while a further 23 clubs paid less than �10,000.

Colchester United themselves had a strict policy of spending nothing on agents’ fee until Robbie Cowling succeeded Peter Heard as chairman in 2007.

League One clubs paid out a combined total of �2,241,771 during the period from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 with Southampton the biggest spenders, splashing out �401,248.

Spending on agents’ fees increased by �3.9million across the whole of the Football League last year, rising to a total of over �12.7m.

On announcing the latest figures, Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: “Given the current economic climate, it is worrying to see such a significant amount leaking from the game.

“This year’s figures demonstrate a considerable increase on those of last season and it is essential that clubs work to reduce this liability over the coming campaign.”

The bulk of the outlay came from Championship clubs who paid out over �10.1m, with Notts County accounting for over two thirds of the League Two outlay of �366,000.

One particular agent was paid 396 times out of a total of 2,392 transactions between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010.

The Football League has been publishing the figures since September 2003 as part of their bid for transparency.

Colchester United’s signings June 2009 - July 2010

Permanent

June 3 – David Fox (Blackpool, free)

July 1 – Magnus Okuonghae (Dagenham & Redbridge, free)

July 1 – Ashley Vincent (Cheltenham, free)

July 10 – Ben Williams (Carlisle, undisclosed)

July 21 – Joel Thomas (Hamilton, undisclosed)

Jan 1 – John-Joe O’Toole (Watford, undisclosed)

Jan 1 Kayode Odejayi (Barnsley, undisclosed)

Jan 6 – Ian Henderson (free agent)

Feb 1 –David Prutton (free agent)

Loans

Aug 3 – Kevin Lisbie (Ipswich)

Sept 1 – John-Joe O’Toole (Watford)

Sept 18 – Kayode Odejayi (Barnsley)

Sept 18 – Danny Batth (Wolves)

Oct 22 – Josh Payne (West Ham)

Jan 22 – Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City)

Jan 25 – David Prutton (Leeds)

Mar 25 – Franck Queudrue (Birmingham)