WAYNE Brown has saluted Colchester United fans for their backing, this season.

The U's were cheered on by nearly 300 fans who had made the 530-mile round trek up to Hartlepool United, last weekend.

There have been plenty of ups and downs for Colchester this season, as they battled to move away from the League Two relegation zone.

But they have been well supported by their fans and interim boss Brown has praised the way in which they have got behind their side.

Brown said: “It was brilliant support, at Hartlepool.

“Hartlepool is not round the corner so to make the sacrifice of expense and time to come and support the lads was fantastic.

“You saw after the game how much the support means to the lads.

“The fans weren’t just exceptional at Hartlepool – it’s since we’ve been in.

“The experiences that I’ve had with the fans home and away have been first class.

Gazette:

“Yes, there’s been frustration at times and I get that – I’ve lived it with them.

“But in the main, they’ve had lots to cheer about and there’s lots of positives and I’m sure that they can see that.

“We’re really thankful to them for the sacrifices and travelling that they’ve made."

A host of former Colchester United favourites have been confirmed to play in John White's testimonial, on Sunday May 22.

The likes of Sammie Szmodics, Karl Duguid, Anthony Wordsworth, Pat Baldwin and George Elokobi have all been confirmed to play in the game, which is part of Essex Charity Cup's Rivals Unite Day at Roots Hall.

Current U's players Freddie Sears and Tom Eastman have also been confirmed to play for the U's, on the day.

The event is raising funds for Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation as well as supporting John’s testimonial and will also include Southend United and Leyton Orient.

Gazette:

The day will start at 11.30am with a match between a Southend XI vs Leyton Orient XI.

A Colchester legends side will then take to the pitch in the 2pm kick-off against a Southend legends squad which is likely to include Ryan Leonard, Barry Corr, Darren Currie, Mark Phillips, Neil Harris, Anthony Grant, Nile Ranger and many more.

White (pictured above), who played 255 times for the U’s and was a member of their 2005-06 League One promotion side, said: “I am so excited to see the fans come out for what will hopefully be a wonderful day of family fun combined with two very special football matches.

There is set to be live music pitchside at the event and a number of other family activities.

The event will then finish at 4pm, where fans can watch the final day of Premier League action.

There will also be an auction as well as a raffle which will help to raise vital funds.

Tickets, which are on sale now, can be found by clicking here

Adult tickets cost £12 up until the day before the event and will also be available on the day at a price of £15, whilst those under 18 can go for just £5.

For more information, follow @EssexCharityCup or email ryleedoe@outlook.com