JOHN White says he has been 'overwhelmed' by the response to his upcoming testimonial - and is looking forward to seeing his former team-mates reunited.

A host of former Colchester United favourites have been confirmed to play in the game, which takes place at Southend United FC on Sunday May 22.

The likes of Sammie Szmodics, Karl Duguid, Anthony Wordsworth, Pat Baldwin and George Elokobi have all been confirmed to play for Colchester in the match for U's academy product White, along with current U's players Freddie Sears and Tom Eastman.

The testimonial is part of the Essex Charity Cup's Rivals Unite Day, which is raising funds for Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation and will also include a game between Southend and Leyton Orient.

 

Southend defender White, who made more than 250 appearances during his time at Colchester and helped them clinch a historic promotion in 2006, said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and efforts and particularly giving up their time to be there on the day.

“There weren’t many people that I had to ask more than once - pretty much everyone has been jumping on it straight away, asking if there’s anything that they can do to help out and offering their services.

“It’s so nice to hear.

“You play with lots of people during your career and not everyone is on the same page when it comes to this kind of thing.

“But I know that with the good group that I had at Colchester at the time and the good group that I’ve been working with here at Southend over the years, it’s so pleasing for me.

“Everyone who’s playing has had an effect on my career in some way or another be it big or small and it’s nice to have all of those people together, in the same place.

“It’s a great excuse for everyone to come together and have a good laugh and play some football together again, because it doesn’t happen too often these days."

Gazette:

Stalwart - John White in action for Southend United Picture: MATT WILKINSON/FOCUS IMAGES

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 including the likes of Ryan Leonard, Barry Corr, Darren Currie, Mark Phillips, Neil Harris, Anthony Grant, Nile Ranger and White himself.

There will 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 here 

Adult tickets cost £12, up until the day before the event.

They 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