THE condensed nature of this season's transfer window is really hitting the smaller clubs like Colchester United.The U's are at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting players to Layer Road at the best of times, because they lack the resources of most other clubs in the Championship.

Carl Marston

THE condensed nature of this season's transfer window is really hitting the smaller clubs like Colchester United.

The U's are at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting players to Layer Road at the best of times, because they lack the resources of most other clubs in the Championship.

But the mad scramble to bolster squads during the confines of January is leading to extra competition.

U's boss Geraint Williams has lodged up to six different bids for players, but to date there has been no success.

"We are all targeting a small pool of players," he admitted last night.

"There are so many clubs competing for these players, and we are against clubs with greater financial clout.

“That doesn't make it easy for us, especially when everything is condensed into this month."

The U's boss confirmed that he is still interested in signing Luton Town skipper Chris Coyne, in an effort to increase his options in central defence.

However, the Australian is the subject of interest from other clubs as well.

Williams is also on the look-out for a new assistant manager, following Micky Adams' departure on Monday.

"We needed to know if Micky could commit himself to the club for the rest of this season, but now is the time when other jobs start cropping up," confirmed Williams.

Scunthorpe United, one of the U's rivals towards the foot of the Championship, yesterday signed ex-Ipswich Town midfielder Kevin Horlock. The 35-year-old was at Doncaster Rovers until last week.

And millionaires QPR, who look poised to climb the Championship table during the second half of the campaign, completed another signing yesterday.

Ex-Colchester loanee Rowan Vine has joined them from Birmingham City on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Meanwhile, the U's are preparing for a tricky trip to promotion-chasers Bristol City on Saturday.

Striker Clive Platt missed the 3-1 home defeat by Peterborough United, in the FA Cup, due to a back problem.

Williams revealed: "Clive is not ruled out for this weekend yet. He has been having treatment on his back, with some massage and osteopath work, and has been responding well."