Jackson asks for Us exit

Johnnie Jackson has handed in a transfer request after falling out of favour with Paul Lambert.

Colchester ace hands in transfer request after lack of football

Colchester United midfielder Johnnie Jackson has handed in a transfer request after seemingly falling out of favour with manager Paul Lambert. The 26-year-old made 34 appearances last season in all competitions but has seen his opportunities limited in pre-season. The former Tottenham man was even left out altogether for the friendly with Aston Villa on Tuesday which the League One side drew 2-2. Lambert confirmed that Jackson wants to leave the club but the Scot insisted that he did not want the player to go. "Johnnie Jackson and Phil Ifil both want to leave the football club," he told the club's official website.

No guarantees

"Nobody is guaranteed anything. I don't want Johnnie to go but he is not happy and his agent has asked if he can go." Colchester chief executive Steve Bradshaw echoed Lambert's statements. "Johnnie has asked to leave, but we would still like to keep him if we can," he highlighted. "He would like to be playing regular first-team football and we understand his position."