Former Colchester striker Scott McGleish on Layer Road days...

However, a small portion of the striker’s U’s legacy is on display when you go to a game at the JobServe Community Stadium.

McGleish, who played for Colchester permanently from 2001 to 2004 after previously playing for them on loan

during the 1995–96 season, said, “My oldest son, Jack, has a brick from when he was born in 2002.”

For the ‘exciting’ signing, Colchester United defeated League One competition.

McGleish has very fond memories of his time at Colchester.

He played for the U’s for three and a half years, making almost 200 league and cup matches in two different stints at

Layer Road.

In 2001, Steve Whitton paid £15,000 to bring McGleish from Barnet to Colchester permanently.

Before departing to join Northampton Town in 2004, the striker scored around 50 goals during his second stint for

the U’s and won over many admirers.

McGleish, who made around 700 Football League games throughout his lengthy and prosperous career, remarked,

“It was a shame I wasn’t involved in any promotions, but what we did at the time was still an achievement for us,

staying in League One all those years, it was really good.”

“The period there, playing at Layer Road, a nice compact capacity, the ground was small.

We played teams that most likely had more uniforms, buckets, and other equipment than we did players, but we still

competed and performed admirably, and I relished every moment of it.

“Every time I performed there, I had the impression that the audience was always rooting for me; they never put me down.”

“I’ve gone to places where the players have treated the supporters badly. It’s not pleasant.

It was nice, and I have wonderful recollections of my time at the club. I assume that I was doing something right for them to support me.

“I continue to review Colchester’s performance.

“I’ve known Dan and Nick Cowley since before the league.

“You can see that they’re getting the club back on track, and they’re good men.”

The 51-year-old McGleish, who has played a long time with the PFA, says he has no plans to give up his boots just yet.

The dependable striker was a member of Leverstock Green’s Spartan South Midlands League division one team last

season, where he serves as assistant manager.

“I was still playing 40 games a season until four years ago, when I broke my ankle, which was the first serious injury

I’ve ever had,” he continued.

At this point, we’ve organised the team so that there are reserves and 18s, so I shouldn’t have to play at 51.

“Mine is more of a role where I’m registered and my boots are always there in case someone doesn’t show up on the day.

“Although I’m gradually reducing my public appearances, I will never retire!”

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