A CHANCE sighting of an online article led a former Colchester United goalkeeper to watch his old club for the first time in 53 years.

John Wright left the U’s in 1961 after nine seasons as understudy to Hall of Fame favourite Percy Ames.

He spoke little of his career to his late wife and children and never returned to the club, despite spending most of his life living in Valley Road, Clacton.

His nephew-in-law, Richard Moodey, put an end to Mr Wright’s five-decade break.

Mr Wright, 80, joined Mr Moodey and his son Nick, 13, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday for the opening game of the season – a 2-2 drawwith Oldham Athletic.

After sharing his photo album with fellow former players, including Bobby Hunt, Brian Dobson, Barry Smith and John Schultz, Mr Wright received a warm welcome from the crowd when he made the half-time prize draw.

See Tuesday's Gazette for the full story.