COLCHESTER United are desperate to stay in the Championship, and Chief Executive Marie Partner has revealed that more funds will be made available if loan signings are needed during the final three months of the campaign.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United are desperate to stay in the Championship, and Chief Executive Marie Partner has revealed that more funds will be made available if loan signings are needed during the final three months of the campaign.

The U's owner and chairman, Robbie Cowling, released funds for manager Geraint Williams to buy four new players during the January transfer window - full-back Phil Ifil (from Tottenham), defender Chris Coyne (from Luton), midfielder Dean Hammond (from Brighton) and striker Scott Vernon (from Blackpool).

Ms Partner said: “There were obviously extra costs incurred from all the players signed in the January transfer window, but if the manager needs some loan signings, perhaps due to injuries or suspensions, then he will have those funds.

“Basically, we have always followed the philosophy of not spending ahead of what we might not have. All our profits will be ploughed back into building the club.

“We have had to plan for a rainy day, and at the moment every day seems like a rainy day! The costs of the new stadium are hitting us all the time.

“We have also been careful not to upset the wage structure at the club. It's important to keep a similar level of wages between the new players coming in, and those already with us.

“Many clubs have made the mistake of not following that criteria with new players. You have to strike that player balance,” added Ms Partner.