U's Lose Kev To Town

Colchester United striker Kevin Lisbie has joined Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £600,000.

Lisbie has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Suffolk club following a lengthily transfer saga. The pacy front-man was offered an improved contract by the U's, in a bid to keep him in North Essex, but the 29-year-old opted for a move away.

Lisbie, who netted 17 goals last season, as the U's were relegated from the second tier of English football, also attracted the attentions of Barnsley and Burnley.

After joining the U's 12-months ago, on a free transfer, from Charlton, the U's will make healthy profit from the sale.

U's manager Geraint Williams told CU-FC.com: 'We are obviously disappointed to lose Kevin.

'We showed how much we wanted to keep him and did our best in that regard. However, the lure of Championship football proved too great and he has decided that he would like to join Ipswich.

'On a personal note, I would like to thank Kevin for his service.

'We have been good for his career and he has been good for Colchester United with the quality he has shown.'

Williams revealed that U's fans could well see another striker brought in, to replace the departed Lisbie.

'We are always looking at players around the country and have the option of bringing in a player of the necessary quality,' the Welshman added.

'It could also mean that there is a chance for someone to step up from within the squad.'



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