Colchester United have given themselves every chance of making the League Two play-offs by signing four new players during today’s hectic transfer deadline day.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester United's new loan signing, Olamide Shodipo, in action for QPR against Norwich City's Graham Dorrans. Picture: FOCUS IMAGES LTDColchester United's new loan signing, Olamide Shodipo, in action for QPR against Norwich City's Graham Dorrans. Picture: FOCUS IMAGES LTD (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

For a long time it looked as though Olamide Shodipo, a winger signed on loan from QPR for the rest of the season, would be the only business done by the Essex club during a quiet afternoon.

But John McGreal’s squad were then strengthened by three more new recruits tonight – two more loanees and one on a permanent deal.

Striker Liam Mandeville is perhaps the most eye-catching of all four of the U’s new arrivals. The 20-year-old front man, signed on loan from Doncaster Rovers, has scored 16 goals in 48 league games for the Yorkshire club.

Fellow loanee Ben Stevenson arrived on loan from Wolves, just hours after the Championship leaders had signed the classy midfielder from Coventry.

Aaron Barnes, a 21-year-old full-back, was signed from Charlton on a permanent deal.