Colchester United stalwart Karl Duguid could not hide his emotions after bringing the curtain down on his long playing career.

The U’s legend made his final-ever appearance as a second-half substitute in their 1-0 win at Walsall, on the final day of the season.

Duguid, who has clocked up more than 450 league and cup appearances in two spells for the club having made his U's debut back in 1996, received a rapturous reception after coming on with 18 minutes to go at the Banks’s Stadium.

And after waving farewell to the fans, the club’s joint sixth-highest appearance maker admitted it was a moving experience.

Duguid said: “It was a strange feeling and one I’ll never forget.

“I got a little bit emotional towards the end and I didn’t think that was going to happen.

“I didn’t think it was going to be as hard as it was, at the end of the game.

“But once everyone starts putting their arms around you and congratulating you, you do get a little bit emotional.

“I’ve just told the gaffer that I’ve not lost a game this season when I’ve played!

“I was very pleased to be involved and we’ve finished in a very good position.

“I’d like to thank everybody who has helped me – all of the managers and the staff and all of my family and friends who have all helped me along the way.”

For more on this story and five pages of coverage of the U's win at Walsall, see Monday's Daily Gazette.