GREG Halford was back at Layer Road to cheer on his old team to a deserved draw against promotion favourites Birmingham on Saturday, and to bid a final farewell to his former team-mates.

By Carl Marston

GREG Halford was back at Layer Road to cheer on his old team to a deserved draw against promotion favourites Birmingham on Saturday, and to bid a final farewell to his former team-mates.

Halford signed for Premiership side Reading in a club record £2.5m deal last Tuesday, and is now focusing his attention on forcing his way into the Royals' first team.

But the 22-year-old was given the weekend off to say his official goodbyes to all his old friends and colleagues at Layer Road.

While his new club recorded a 2-0 win at Manchester City, his old team-mates were good value for their point against Birmingham. Kem Izzet's 56th minute opener was cancelled out by Stephen Clemence's 65th-minute equaliser.

“It's been an unbelievable last week for me. I didn't really get a chance to say goodbye, when the deal was being done, so that's what I've done,” revealed Halford.

“I wanted to say a proper farewell to the lads, and the fans, although I'm not sure how many of the supporters knew I was here. I wanted to keep a low profile.

“I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone at Colchester United. I've had a terrific last few years, and it's not just down to me that the team is riding so high in the Championship.”