COLCHESTER United have said farewell to chief executive Marie Partner after 21 years at the club.

Mrs Partner, who rose through the ranks after working in the ticket office in 1987, announced today she is leaving the U's to "seek new challenges and fulfil new opportunities".

During her time at the club, the 51-year-old has worked with five chairmen, six chief executives, 18 managers and hundreds of players.

She said: "Football is a very diverse and passionate business that continues to evolve and I feel privileged and fortunate to have been part of the football industry."

"I have met many interesting and influential people.

"Like me, they have been really dedicated to moving Colchester United forward and have strived to achieve only but the best for the club.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them who have contributed their time and effort alongside me in my 21 years at the club."

Mrs Partner, who is married to former U's player Neil, worked at a building society and an estate agent after leaving Sir Charles Lucas School.

In 1987 she answered an advert in the Gazette for a ticket sales assistant at the club before becoming assistant to the commercial director and then running the club's sponsorship and advertising schemes.

Initially Mrs Partner, who was later named the Essex Business Woman of the Year, barely knew how football was played but she quickly understood the passion the game created.

In the 1990s she became club secretary and when the managing director left, she did his job so well the U's scrapped the position and made her chief executive.

Colchester United Supporters' Association chairman Jon Burns said he was "shocked" to hear of her departure.

"We have all lost a good ally and an excellent servant, and I would like to wish Marie every success in her future career and life, after of course a very long and well-deserved holiday," he said."