Joe Dunne was back at Layer Road today ready to take on his new role with Colchester United.
The popular 30-year-old U's favourite, who was forced into premature retirement through injury at the end of last season, has been invited back to take up a coaching post with Micky Cook's youth development squad.
U's boss Phil Parkinson said when revealing the news: "I'm delighted for Joe.
"He's a magnificent ambassador for Colchester United and I believe he will be equally great for the young lads."
The move is certain to be greeted with universal approval by the fans, who to a man hailed the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international - and hero of the 1998 Wembley promotion play-off final triumph - as a Layer Road icon.
"It's a great opportunity for me," a highly delighted Dunne told the Evening Gazette. "And I'm already looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm sure it's going to be great working with youth chiefs Micky Cook and Adrian Webster and I'm really looking forward to working with the kids."
And the ex-Gillingham and Dover defender-cum-midfielder, who did some scouting for Parkinson towards the end of last season, was quick to pay tribute to the U's management for giving him his chance.
He said: "I'm very flattered and I put it down to the fine relationship I've enjoyed with the club and the good relationship the club has had with me."
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Published Monday, June 30, 2003
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