KEVIN McLeod has played against Colchester United many times in his career, but now he is relishing the chance to play for them in the Championship.Left-sided midfielder McLeod signed for the U's from Swansea City yesterday, ahead of today's transfer deadline.

By Carl Marston

KEVIN McLeod has played against Colchester United many times in his career, but now he is relishing the chance to play for them in the Championship.

Left-sided midfielder McLeod signed for the U's from Swansea City yesterday, ahead of today's transfer deadline. And manager Geraint Williams is hoping to make more signings today, to strengthen his squad in preparation for some difficult months ahead.

“I'm delighted to have signed for Colchester. The prospect of playing in the Championship was a big factor in my decision,” explained McLeod last night.

“Colchester are a good, family club, and I have always had difficult games against them in the past, both for QPR and Swansea. They might be a small club, but you always have to give them great respect. It's better that I will now be playing for them, rather than against them!”

Liverpool-born McLeod has played at the very highest level, for his first club Everton. The former Goodison Park trainee made five appearances in the Premier League for the Toffees, all as a substitute, although he did enjoy one start in the League Cup against Crystal Palace. His senior debut was as a substitute in the 3-0 home defeat by Ipswich Town in September 2000.

The 25-year-old joined QPR three years ago, playing 66 senior games for the west London club before moving on to Swansea in February 2005. He has since been in and out of the Swans' team

McLeod, who figured in Swansea's League One play-off final defeat at the hands of Barnsley last May, still had a couple of years remaining on his contract. But the Swans were happy for him to leave on a free

McLeod is Williams' third signing since the Welshman was appointed the new boss a month ago. He follows in the footsteps of young right-back Lawrie Wilson and left-back Chris Barker (on loan from Cardiff). Williams has also been linked with Hull City midfielder Stuart Green.

However, there is also the possibility of another Championship club, or even a Premier League outfit, lodging a late bid for U's star Greg Halford, who put in a transfer request last week.

The versatile Halford impressed at right-back in the U's success over Derby last Saturday, but it was team-mate Jamie Cureton who took the plaudits for his hat-trick. As a result, front-runner Cureton has been named in the Football League's “Team of the Week” alongside Norwich City striker Darren Huckerby. U's defender Wayne Brown was named in the first “Team of the Week” for his performance at Birmingham in the opening game of the season.

Meanwhile, Colchester United's game at Coventry City has been moved from a Saturday to a Monday night, to cater for Sky TV. The U's will now visit the Ricoh Stadium on Monday, October 23, rather than two days before. It will be the U's second live TV appearance this season - the home match against Ipswich will be screened live on Sky Sports on Friday, September 29.