Tony Humes and his Colchester United players deserve so much for credit for achieving what they have, in keeping the club in League One against all the odds.

The U’s had not been out of the bottom four since February.

For a long time, the prospect of relegation had been looming large.

But while some had written them off, Humes and his players never gave up hope, even at their lowest moments.

When Colchester were thrashed 6-0 at Chesterfield less than three weeks ago, the writing looked to be on the wall.

But the manner in which they have bounced back from that heavy defeat to stay in the third tier has been nothing short of magnificent, even by the U's standards given their experiences of beating the drop over the last few years.

Since their heavy loss against the Spireites, the U’s have embarked on a four-game unbeaten run and claimed eight points from a possible 12.

In the face of adversity, the courage, belief and determination they have shown has been hugely impressive.

And to round it off with such an impressive win over a Preston North End side who had previously not lost in 18 matches and who had their sights set on automatic promotion was a massive achievement.

Writing in his programme notes for the Preston game, U’s chairman Robbie Cowling has said that the club’s supporters can look forward to a brighter future ahead.

He also praised boss Humes for showing true dignity and absolute class and that has been evident throughout.

Humes has had his fair share of critics among the Colchester faithful over recent weeks.

But it is worth remembering that this was his first-ever season as a Football League manager.

And Humes had to work with the constraints of a tight budget, in addition to being tasked with introducing as many academy players into the first-team arena as possible.

He, along with his assistant Richard Hall, deserve praise for the way they have remained calm under pressure and stuck to their guns.

They, like the U’s players, will learn greatly from the experiences they have this season.

And given their efforts, they thoroughly deserve another crack at League One football next season.