U's finally land Hammond
31 Jan 2008 - 19:55:51
Colchester United have signed Dean Hammond from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £250,000 deal.
The 24-year-old Seagulls captain was out of contract at the end of the season, but the U's opted to make their move this month in a bid to bolster their struggling squad.
Colchester had seen a previous £200,000 offer rejected earlier this month before returning with an increased bid.
"I have been down to watch him on a number of occasions, we have had scouts watching him and have seen videos of him in action," manager Geraint Williams told the club's official website.
"Twenty four is a great age to bring someone in because they can already do a job for you, but can also improve with us for the future.
"The fact that he has been a captain at Brighton since last season means that he is a good character as well as a good player."