Halford Wouldn`t Have Returned

Charlton`s Greg Halford admitted this week that he would not have considered rejoining Colchester United even after Robbie Cowling admitted in the media he was prepared to treble the former Sunderland and Reading man`s salary.

The 23-year-old explained to the South London press on the eve of his debut last night against Crystal Palace that "there was no other club" he would have been prepared to join on loan from the Premier League.

Halford has had a fine week in Charlton colours, netting in midweek for the reserve team and putting in a solid display last night during a full first-team game.

His abysmal year away from Colchester, where he first left in a move to Reading for what was a record fee for both club, saw Halford also concede that he feels he has a lot to prove in the top flight.

Halford has made just eight appearances since he became Roy Keane`s first summer signing in 2007 following their Championship-winning season.

"There was no other Championship club I would have joined," he said, putting paid to an idea that he might have come back to Colchester.

His links with Charlton were strong due to the presence of Phil Parkinson, who guided his development in Essex, as well as former team-mate Chris Iwelumo.

Halford explained: "As a club, Charlton are a very attractive proposition for me. The manager is excellent, I know Parky and a lot of the players, the team plays good football and obviously it is down south as well.

"I'm really looking forward to making my debut and I'm determined to succeed this time."