U's Chairman Robbie Cowling has confirmed that he personally has accepted a bid from Southampton for club captain Dean Hammond and has explained his reasons why.

Southampton announced earlier today that were in talks with the 26-year-old midfielder and Cowling has been quick to enlighten supporters to his reasons behind the move.

In a statement published on the club's website, Cowling said: “I alone made the decision to allow Dean to move to Southampton and I did so because Dean was out of contract at the end of the season and he did not want to extend his stay with the U's beyond that time.

“Dean has been a fantastic player for Colchester United, but the fee I have received for him will allow the club to go out and find a worthy replacement that will also be here for next season and the one after that.

“If I had insisted that he stayed, we would have received no fee and next season we would have lost his services anyway.

“I turned down numerous verbal bids and two written bids before I finally agreed to sell him late on Monday night.”

For the full statement, click here.

Hammond will miss tonight’s home game against Gillingham and is not expected to be seen in a U's shirt again.

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