Sam Stringer reports as Colchester secure a much-sought-after signature…
Tuesday afternoon saw highly rated West Ham academy graduate; George Moncur, seal a transfer to Colchester United, having been on loan at the League One club since the start of the season.
With his loan deal due to end in early January, it was expected that Colchester would try to retain his services for the rest of the season, but unexpected that it would be on a permanent basis.
Back in 2013 Moncur had signed a new deal with the East London side, taking him through to the summer of 2015, with the option for an extra year.
However the now former Hammer signed a two-and-a-half year deal with United after the clubs agreed on an undisclosed fee, making the midfielder Tony Humes’ third permanent signing.
Moncur had been quick to secure himself a starting place in the Colchester side under both managers this season, earning him twenty starts and three goals in all competitions.
Son of former West Ham player John Moncur, George was always watched closely in West Ham’s development squad, where he made over fifty appearances for the u21s before loan spells with AFC Wimbledon and Partick Thistle.
The somewhat unexpected news from both sets of Colchester and West Ham supporters has provoked interesting reactions on social media.
Colchester fan Steve Hume tweeted: “Stoked about @georgemonkz8 signing, such a talented midfield we have signed up, so much promise for the next few seasons #excited #colu”
Whilst West Ham fan Liam O’Shea tweeted in reply to the news: “@whufc_official @georgemonkz8 not given the chance he deserved, will be a very good player, one we might regret letting go…”
The 21 year old midfielder follows in the footsteps of Freddie Sears, who also joined the Essex side from West Ham and has benefited from the move, quickly becoming a fan favourite.
This impressive piece of business from Tony Humes and all involved at Colchester follows on from the acquisition of former Premier League player David Fox, who along with Moncur and Colchester’s own Alex Gilbey makes an impressive midfield trio.