Colchester United owner and chairman, Robbie Cowling, insisted that he did his “absolute best” to keep Freddie Sears at the club.

East Anglian Daily Times: Freddie Sears shoots at Millwall on his debutFreddie Sears shoots at Millwall on his debut (Image: PAGEPIX LTD 07976 935738)

However, Cowling recognised that leading scorer Sears had to be given a chance to play at a higher level, hence his switch to Championship club Ipswich Town on a two-and-a-half-year contract, for an undisclosed fee, on Friday afternoon.

“We have to attract the best players that we can to Colchester United,” explained Cowling.

“At times, when you attract them here, there has to be the carrot that if the right offer comes along, then they will be allowed to move on.

“And we did our absolute best to keep Freddie.

“We offered the best contract that the club could afford, bearing in mind the players’ budget and everything.

“And Freddie seriously considered it. He enjoyed himself at the club.

“In fact, I got a very nice text from him, saying how he enjoyed his time here at Colchester.

“But it was the right deal all-round, when I took everything into consideration,” added Cowling.

See today’s ‘East Anglian Daily Times’ newspaper for more on Robbie Cowling’s views, plus match report and pictures from Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Walsall.