U`s Misfit Thomas Finally Free

Paul Lambert`s failed French signing Joel Thomas has been shipped out of Colchester United by mutual consent after less than a year at the club.

The £125,000 striker is a very familiar name to U`s fans but Thomas as a player remains highly mysterious, since made no disenable first-team impression after arriving from Hamilton Academics.

He was re-loaned to his old side last term in a bid to settle complaints he made to the club about unfair treatment and a distinct lack of opportunity for games.

Now Norwich manager Paul Lambert paid the big-money fee, but his gamble appears in hindsight ill-advised; the 23-year-old forward signed during what was meant to be a double-move along with former team-mate Richard Offiong. The latter did not arrive as scheduled for a medical, instead joining Colchester`s League One rivals, Carlisle.

Although the outlook was initially promising, with Thomas also freshly declared for the Mail national team, he returned for the 2010/11 season intent on leaving Essex.

That wish has now been granted as both man and club have agreed to cut their losses.







So what do you think?

Let us know with a comment below, or chat about this article in the forum. Not yet a member? Don't panic, click on the banner below to join in.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.