The 21-year-old was a revelation for the U’s after joining on a season-long loan from Premier League club Nottingham Forest, where he had made 37 league and cup appearances under Danny Cowley.

McDonnell won Colchester’s Young Player of the Season award and was also named to the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Season.

Danny Cowley discusses Colchester United’s potential takeover.

 

The talented midfielder has returned to Forest after his loan spell ended, but he still has feelings for the United.

McDonnell stated that Colchester will always have a special place in his heart.

“The amount of enjoyment I’ve had this season has been unbelievable, and I will never forget it.

“This has been an unbelievable experience.

“Coming down here at the start of the season as a 21st-century footballer, not knowing what to expect, and having the season I’ve had, both on and off the pitch, with the players and staff at the club, as well as the fans who support you, has been incredible.

(Image: Steve BRADING)

“The fans have even gotten involved with my family back home, via Twitter!

“The team was perfect around me; the way I play defensively allowed me to have boys on the team to pass to and show off my strengths – it was very well set up.

“Most of the performances, I was very happy with.”

McDonnell was given the chance to shine for Colchester under manager Danny Cowley, and the Northern Ireland under-21 international says he is grateful for the opportunity.

“A lot of the boys who have played under him in the past have said that he improved their careers massively and they were right,” according to McDonnell.

Colchester is set to become the latest EFL club with US backing.

“Both him and Nicky were unbelievable for me, this season with developing me as a player and teaching me the men’s game.

“It’s something I’d never experienced before and it was very good and I was very happy with it.”

McDonnell had to miss Colchester’s final two games of the season after injuring his ankle in the defeat to Doncaster Rovers.

“It’s just unfortunate sometimes in football,” said McDonnell, who signed with Forest in the summer of 2020.

(Image: Steve BRADING)

“You get injuries that prevent you from playing the game and put you at risk of further injury, which could keep you out for months rather than weeks.

“The pain was unbearable following the injury in Doncaster.

“Fortunately, it turned out to be a lot less than I expected; I expected it to be really bad, possibly for a couple of months, but it should be fine soon.

“I’ve had ankle problems in the past, so I was taking extra precautions.

“When I wasn’t playing, it was amazing to see the fans’ support, especially being up close to them, hearing their personal stories, and seeing how much it meant to them.

READ MORE: Two former Colchester United players released by League Two club.

“The way the club has been this year has been brilliant.”

McDonnell has now returned to Forest, with the possibility of another loan next season.

McDonnell added: “I’ll go back to Nottingham Forest now and see what happens over the off season.”

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