IN the not so distant past, Alan Maybury played his part in helping bring the good times back to Leeds United.

But tomorrow, the Colchester United full-back is bidding to bring his former club’s latest resurgence to a shuddering halt.

Maybury spent six years as a professional at Elland Road.

The 30-year-old was involved in the Whites’ thrilling European campaign in 2001, which saw them reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Visits to the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid and Valencia ensued for the Republic of Ireland defender and his team-mates.

But since Maybury’s departure, Leeds’ fortunes have spiralled.

They now find themselves battling to escape English football’s third tier.

Mounting debts led to the departure of Maybury’s former team-mates Rio Ferdinand and Jonathan Woodgate – and the Yorkshire club falling into the Championship, in 2004.

And in the 2006-07 season, they were relegated to League One and deducted ten points, after going into administration.

Maybury said: “They were near the top of the Premier League when I left.

“They have had difficult times with their financial troubles but they’re doing their best to get out of where they are.

“I left in October 2001 and then things started to come to light after that.

“The season before I left they had been in the Champions League.

“They expected to be there again but it didn’t happen.

“I was only a young lad there then and I didn’t really get involved with what was happening behind the scenes.”

Leeds take on Colchester tomorrow, looking for a win to boost their promotion hopes.

They are in good form at present, having embarked on an eight-match unbeaten run which has taken them into the play-off places.

And former player Maybury is expecting a hard match, in front of a bumper crowd at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

“It’s going to be difficult,” said Maybury, who made 18 league and cup appearances for Leeds after joining them from St Kevins BC, in 1995.

“They’ve just found a bit of form lately and they’ll be bringing a big crowd with them.

“I’m sure it’ll be a tough game but I think it will be a good atmosphere.

“It’s a lot better when you’re playing in front of a full house.”

Maybury has been an ever-present for the U’s since joining them on a free transfer, last December.

After making his debut in Colchester’s 2-1 win at Elland Road, the experienced defender has played his part in helping Paul Lambert’s climb to tenth in League One.

The U’s have beaten the likes of Oldham Athletic and Tranmere Rovers and drawn with Leicester City and MK Dons this season.

And Maybury believes their impressive win at Millwall in midweek shows that if they play their own game, they can be a match for anyone this season.

“We’ve had some mixed results,” said Maybury. “We seem to be better against the best teams.

“We played how we wanted to play against Millwall.

“We were a little bit more solid and when we keep our shape, we’re a better team for it.”

Meanwhile, Maybury was naturally pleased to see the Republic of Ireland secure a 1-1 draw in Italy, in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night.

The Dublin-born defender has nine caps for his country and is a close observer of Eire’s fortunes.

He was especially pleased to see striker Robbie Keane – his former Leeds and Republic of Ireland team-mate – score their all-important equaliser.

“Robbie is a talented player – he has great movement,” added Maybury.

“It’s been a bit of a transitional time for them over the last couple of years but they’ve been hanging in there.”