Alex Gilbey says he will be a Colchester United supporter for the rest of his life as his exit from the club draws closer.

Former U’s academy youngster Gilbey is almost certain to quit the Weston Homes Community Stadium in the coming weeks, following their relegation from League One.

The 21-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, was given a rousing send-off by Colchester supporters following last weekend’s defeat against Rochdale, which is likely to be his final appearance for the club.

The former Gilberd School pupil says he will be forever grateful to the U’s for the part they have played in launching his career – and that he will always be a Col U fan.

Gilbey told the Daily Gazette: “I’ll support Colchester for the rest of my life and I’ll always remember what they have done for me.

“It was an emotional day for me personally, last Sunday.

“The fans were absolutely brilliant and it gave me goosebumps when I heard them singing my name – it’s something I’ll remember forever.

“I want to say thank you for how they’ve been with me and I appreciate all of their support.

“I’ve done a lot of learning over the last two years and this season, I think it’s all clicked into place.

“A massive factor in that was Kevin Keen – he let me play my game and allowed me to go forward and score the goals that I did.

“I was made vice-captain at the beginning of the season and I had to mature as a player because we had a lot of young players in the squad and I also knew that I had to earn the respect of the older lads.”

Gilbey has backed Colchester to recover quickly from their relegation to League Two next season.

“I think Colchester will bounce back,” added the former U’s youth-team captain, who insists “nothing is written in stone” regarding his next move despite him being linked with the likes of Glasgow Rangers, Brighton and Hove Albion and Bristol City.

“They have a very good coach in charge in John McGreal with Steve Ball alongside him and I hope and I pray that they can bounce back.

“What the chairman has done for the club and the academy has been brilliant, helping young players come through and develop.

“Tom Lapslie is a great recent example of a player who has come through from the academy and who keeps working hard to do well.

“I’ve always felt that there’s no excuse not to work hard and if you do that, your talent will shine through.”