Club captain RICHARD WILKINS:

Everybody at the club was shocked by the gaffer's decision and as a member of the team I'm sure most of us feel guilty that we helped to force him into it.

I think he's worked miracles on the limited budget he's had to work with over the years and he should be remembered for all the success he's achieved in his four years.

The CV the gaffer's built for himself in that time is fantastic."

Central defender DAVID GREENE:

I feel very sad. The gaffer has done wonders for my career. He brought me out of reserve team football at Luton and believed in me. I want to finish off the job he started by making sure the club stays in Division Two.

Fullback SIMON BETTS:

We didn't always see eye to eye but his resignation was a big shock. We haven't helped him or ourselves, but we are good enough to stay in the second division, now we must prove it to ourselves.

Striker MARK SALE:

The gaffer spent a long time trying to tempt me to Layer Road and I'm very sorry to see him go. He has given me two Wembley finals and promotion to Division Two in that time and the two best years of my footballing life.

Utility man DAVID GREGORY:

Holding up the third division promotion play-off winners trophy with the gaffer at Wembley will always be one of the highlights of my life.

He brought me to Colchester, worked hard with me to make me a fitter and better player and as one of the most regular players in the side I have reaped rich rewards ever since.

I hope the gaffer goes on to reap the rewards he deserves - with what he has achieved over the past four years he could surely walk into a good job with any club.

He won't be out of the game very long!

Striker KARL DUGUID:

Steve Wignall gave me my big break in the game and I am determined not to let him down.

Caretaker boss STEVE WHITTON:

It is a very sad time for the club. The gaffer has enjoyed a great four years at the club and I have learnt so much from him.

He leaves the club on a far better footing than when he arrived at Layer Road and that was always one of his aims.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.