Jon Waldron: My views on the U's (From Gazette)

Jon Waldron: My views on the U's

2:43pm Tuesday 31st January 2012 in Colchester Utd By Jonathan Waldron

IT was sad to see one of the last of Colchester United’s promotion-winning squad of 2006 still at the club depart for pastures new.

Pat Baldwin has been one of the U’s longest-serving players in recent times, so the defender’s departure to Essex rivals Southend United on a free transfer last Friday marked the end of an era.

It is rare these days for a player to stay at one club for so long.

But the longevity of Baldwin’s Colchester career was testament to his professionalism, ability and attitude.

They were qualities that not only helped him clock up nearly 250 league appearances for the U’s but also saw him quickly establish himself as an extremely popular individual, both with fans and team-mates alike.

Colchester United has changed almost incomparably since Baldwin first arrived in north Essex in August, 2002, after leaving Chelsea.

He was signed by Steve Whitton and played under another five permanent managers during his time at the U’s, some who selected him regularly and others who did not.

Baldwin will probably regard his return to Stamford Bridge for an FA Cup tie in February 2006 as his most memorable 90 minutes during his time at Colchester.

But his finest single achievement during his spell with Colchester came later that year when he helped the U’s win promotion to the second tier for the first time in their history.

Baldwin made 34 league and cup appearances in that iconic U’s campaign and was an important member of the squad that went down in history as arguably the finest the club has ever had.

Baldwin’s spell with Colchester was not without its low points.

He was unable to prevent the U’s from being relegated back to League One in 2008 and was a whisker away from leaving permanently the following year, after falling out of favour under Aidy Boothroyd.

Injuries have also been a problem for Baldwin over recent years, arguably contributing to his departure to Southend just months short of his testimonial.

Nevertheless, he can look back and reflect on his long spell at Colchester with pride and will go down as one of the club’s most popular players, in recent times.