Colchester United legend Micky Cook says it was always going to be a testing job for any manager to try and maintain their League One status.

The U’s all-time record appearance-maker says he is sad to see his former club struggling to fend off relegation from the third tier.

Some Colchester fans called for the removal of boss Tony Humes during their 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe United, last weekend.

But Cook - who chalked up more than 600 games for Colchester - believes managing the U’s on a tight budget is a challenge for any manager.

Cook said: “I had nearly 40 years at Colchester United and it’s sad to see them struggling.

“But it’s the nature of football, when you’re not getting points on the board.

“I do feel for the club because they’re trying to run a business - and football is a business now - and meet all of the financial commitments and the rules and regulations that go with it.

“It’s difficult to throw lots of money at it and trying to make it work with what they’ve got is always going to be difficult.

“Whether it’s Tony Humes or Joe Dunne in charge, it’s a testing job to maintain status and get success.

“My heart goes out to the supporters because there’s a hardcore who always go and cheer the lads on."

Cook, who is director of football at Colne Community College in Brightlingsea, believes Colchester’s young players will be stronger for their experiences this season.

The former U’s head of youth says has been impressed by the rise of the club’s academy players into senior football.

The likes of Sammie Szmodics, Frankie Kent and Tom Lapslie have all flourished for Colchester in the Football League, in the current campaign.

“Hats off to the young boys at Colchester, because they’ve come in and done a brilliant job,” added Cook, who twice suffered relegation with the U’s.

“Not one of these boys wants to put in a bad performance or be part of a team that is relegated.

“If these boys do go down, it will charge their motivation.

“They will be better for what they’re going through, although I don’t think the fans will want to hear that at the moment.

“You don’t want to go down but it’s all part of your career.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, including Sam Walker's exclusive weekly column, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.