Vernon wants to fight for his place at Colchester next season

Colchester United striker Scott Vernon has turned down a move to League One rivals Carlisle United.

The 23-year-old was the key part of a swap deal that would have goalkeeper Ben Williams join the U's with Carlisle also receiving a small fee.

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott said: "Scott has decided that he wants to stay at Colchester at the moment.

"He hadn't initially asked for a transfer. He wants to stay and fight for his place."

Colchester boss Paul Lambert had hoped to bring Williams to the Weston Homes Community Stadium following talks with the former Manchester United trainee.

It is understood that Williams had agreed to the switch but Vernon is unwilling to make the move.

Manchester-born Vernon began his career at Oldham where he scored 20 times in 43 games for the Latics.

He went on to play for Blackpool before signing for Colchester in January 2008.

Abbott said he would now turn his attention elsewhere as he looks to improve his striking options.

"It will enable us to do something else which is work that has been done off the back of this deal happening." he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

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