COLCHESTER United caretaker manager, Joe Dunne, revealed that midfielder David Perkins had slapped in a transfer request just 24 hours before this afternoon's 2-1 defeat at MK Dons.

Carl Marston

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United caretaker manager, Joe Dunne, revealed that midfielder David Perkins had slapped in a transfer request just 24 hours before this afternoon's 2-1 defeat at MK Dons.

Goals from Jermaine Easter (penalty) and Mark Carrington gave the Dons a two-goal lead inside the first hour, and although Scott Vernon headed home David Fox's cross in the 68th minute, the U's could not fashion an equaliser.

Dunne was happy with the U's performance, and the way his team battled back, but it has been a case of one upheaval after another for the Essex club over the last week.

Following the departure of manager Paul Lambert to Norwich last Tuesday, together with assistant Ian Culverhouse and football operations manage Gary Karsa, and then skipper Dean Hammond's move to Southampton, fellow midfielder Perkins is the latest to want to leave. Johnnie Jackson also left the club a week ago.

Dunne revealed: “David (Perkins) wants to leave the club. If someone comes in then he can go, but hopefully he will change his mind.

“David is still giving 100% to the cause, but he says that he wants to be playing regular football.

“He handed in his transfer request last night, as if I didn't have enough things on my plate!

“It's obvious that whoever comes in will have to strengthen the squad a little, and that might accelerate the process,” added Dunne.

The U's caretaker boss continued: “We did our best and tried and tried to create chances. The commitment of the players was excellent, and there were plenty of positives to come from the game.”