Colchester striker Jamie Cureton admits he understands why fellow hitman Chris Iwelumo has quit Layer Road to join Charlton.

The Us' 'little and large' partnership, which hit 42 goals between them this season, has been broken up after Iwelumo snubbed a new contract offer to join Alan Pardew's relegated side.

"You can understand why Chris has taken this decision. It's a great opportunity for him," Cureton told the EADT.

"I don't think the Colchester fans can grumble, because you can't argue with his record, scoring 19 goals one season and 18 the next.

"Chris has given good service to Colchester, though perhaps the club could have done a little more to try and keep him. Once his contract had been allowed to run down to less than six months, he was always likely to go. That ploy can often backfire.

"But it's hard for a club like Colchester to compete. Charlton are coming down from the Premiership, and so will be given a lot of parachute money as well. It would have been very difficult for Chris to turn down such an offer."