COLCHESTER United are set for a windfall following Greg Halford's surprise move from Reading to Premiership newcomers Sunderland today.The U's will not disclose how big a percentage of the £3m transfer fee they will receive, but Chief Executive Marie Partner admitted last night that the Essex club would benefit richly from the move.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United are set for a windfall following Greg Halford's surprise move from Reading to Premiership newcomers Sunderland today.

The U's will not disclose how big a percentage of the £3m transfer fee they will receive, but Chief Executive Marie Partner admitted last night that the Essex club would benefit richly from the move.

Halford only left Layer Road to join Reading in January, for a club record fee of £2.5m, but the 22-year-old will begin next season at the Stadium of Light after just three appearances for Reading.

Meanwhile, U's assistant manager Mick Harford has been given permission to speak to Queens Park Rangers. Harford seems poised to become John Gregory's new No.2 at Loftus Road.