A FORMER Colchester United player has died from a brain tumour, aged 54.

Popular figure Shaun Bailey fought bravely for four years from his new home in the US but finally died on Saturday.

His brother Mick said: "We knew at some point this day would come.

“He put up a hell of a fight for four years but when the medication stopped working he came to terms with what would happen."

Shaun played for Colchester United’s youth teams and around the amateur leagues of north Essex.

He played for Halstead Town FC between 1993 and 1996 and went on to become manager in 2000.

He won two Jewson Premier League titles and a Jewson League Cup during his spells with the club.

Later in his career he moved to the US and became a successful soccer coach before being diagnosed with the tumour in 2014.

Mick added: "He achieved so much and when he came out here.

"He was really big in the soccer world in New England. He was the director of youth soccer in Connecticut for a while.

Shaun leaves behind wife Kristine, four children and a step-son, mother June and Mick, who added: "The amount of messages I have got from people I don’t even know sending their condolences is unbelievable.

"I told him how proud I was of him and all he has achieved.

"It was a brave decision for him to come out to the USA and he made it big.

“I was with him when he passed away.

“He had a massive fall about a week after I returned so I came back.

"I had made him a promise 18 months ago that I would be here and I got here about seven hours before he died."

He died during the early hours of Saturday morning in America.

Friend and family had been supporting him through his treatment.

Roy McDonough, who played for Colchester United in the 1980s and 90s and also managed the team between 1991 and 1994, donated his Wembley medal to be auctioned off to raise money for Shaun.

He used to play with Shaun for Colchester and won the pure gold FA Challenge Medal in May 1992.

Matt Hudson, Supporters Liaison Officer at Colchester United, said: “Everyone at Colchester United was deeply saddened to hear of Shaun’s passing last week.

“He had faced his illness with great courage and it is testament to his character that he is well remembered by those clubs he played for across the local area over the years. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Halstead Town Football Club secretary Steve Webber added: “Obviously are we are extremely saddened by the news of Shaun’s passing.

“He was a big part of the club for many years and was loved by everyone who knew him. Shaun was a genuinely nice guy, someone who you could happily say was your best friend. We send our condolences to his family and hope to arrange a memorial for him in the coming weeks.”

A minute’s silence was held ahead of Halstead Town’s victory over Holland FC on Tuesday evening. The same will be done before Saturday’s home match against Swaffham FC.