 Halford is an England under-20 international |
Colchester midfielder Greg Halford says he has knuckled down to concentrate on his form for the U's after having a transfer request rejected last month. Sheffield United tried to buy Halford, 21, and West Ham were also interested.
Halford told BBC Sport: "Colchester received a big offer for me from Sheffield United but it didn't happen, the chairman wanted me to stay.
"All I can do now is give 100% on the pitch for Colchester - and I don't think I've had a bad game this season."
Halford, who has been at Layer Road since he was a trainee, hopes U's fans understand why he wanted to move on.
 | I felt if I had a bad game it would give people reason to say 'he doesn't want to be here, just let him go' - and I didn't want that |
"I handed in a transfer request purely because I wanted to further my career - I've been playing in the first team here for four years and for over 150 games, and I wanted a new challenge," the England Under-20 international explained.
"Playing for England last year with Premiership players was fantastic and I wanted to prove I was good enough for that level.
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"That was the reason. Money was not a factor at all."
Halford knows his actions could have turned U's fans against him but he is keen to show he remains committed to Colchester.
"I didn't want anyone getting on my back because I asked to leave," Halford added.
"I felt if I had a bad game it would give people reason to say 'He doesn't want to be here, just let him go' - and I didn't want that.
"I want to give 100% to Colchester. I want to help them stay up and I think I have been playing well."
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