Come In No. 11 - Final Word On Yeates

Departed midfielder Mark Yeates has paid tribute to Colchester United following his transfer to Middlesbrough.

He was a popular player during his overall combined three seasons with the U`s, but he has revealed he had a "great affection" for United. Speaking on the U's official website yesterday, Yeates` comments looked like an open letter for the fans.

"I loved my time at the U's and I can't thank them enough for the last two years and obviously the year we got promoted while I was on loan.

"I have played most of my league games at Colchester and have a great affection for the club. While I will be doing all I can to get Middlesbrough back up to the Premier League, I will be keeping an eye on the U's results and hoping that they have a successful season."

Also yesterday, a friend of Gareth Southgate`s and former United goalie, Andy Woodman, thinks the player will not fulfil his potential fully after leaving the U`s.

He said, in the Colchester Gazette: "In Gareth, he will be playing for a young and progressive manager. We`ve spoken to each other about Mark a few times. It`s an excellent move for Mark."

Gareth Southgate himself was enthusiastic about his potential, and said on Middlesbrough`s club`s website: "He has a great dead-ball delivery, which will be very important for us. Nobody should jump to conclusions about where he`ll be playing," he said.

Former England international Southgate explained: "Colchester didn`t want to lose the lad and several clubs were in for him, two of three of them in serious negotiations. Bu Mark wanted to come to Middlesbrough."

On a swealtering day like today, it`s fitting that the East Anglian Daily Times should try to clear away any clouds left by Yeates departure and journalist Carl Maston reckons the U`s will be able to push for promotion regardless of the sale.

He writes today: "Paul Lambert is a manager who believes in teams, not individuals. There was life after Kinsella, and after Lua Lua. And there will be after Yeates!" Here, here!

Fittingly, yesterday`s comments from Yeates himself should close the summary. He is excited about playing in the Championship next term, and told 'Boro fans: "I can play on the right or the left. I played a full season's Championship football on the right for Colchester, while I played most of last season on the left."

In these quotes from Sky Sports, he continued to show commitment, saying: "For a winger, I think my goals record is quite good.

I got 13 last season and eight by Christmas the season before until I got injured. I promise the fans I'll give 110 per cent. I'm hungry to prove that I deserve to be here."


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