FORMER Colchester United striker Steven Gillespie has revealed the support of the fans gave him a huge boost during his time at the club.

Gillespie, who is still the U’s record signing after joining them from Cheltenham Town for a fee in excess of £400,000 back in July, 2008, spent four years at the JobServe Community Stadium.

The 33-year-old netted 25 goals in 46 league starts for Colchester but his time in north Essex was hampered by injuries that left him watching from the sidelines.

It was frustrating at times for Gillespie but speaking at the U’s game at Tranmere Rovers last weekend, the former forward says having the supporters’ backing was a big lift.

Gillespie told the Daily Gazette: “The Colchester fans were always great for me, even during my tough spells with my injuries when I’d come back.

“They were really patient – some more than others but even when I’d come back and was on the bench they’d sing my name and cause a nightmare for the manager!

“It was fantastic for me, that feeling of being wanted on the pitch.

“It gave me a massive ego boost and undoubtedly it made me go out there and try that little bit harder.

“I was very professional throughout my career and would try my best but it doesn’t half give you that extra little boost when they sing your name.

“I’m proud of my four-year stay at Colchester.

“Not only did I have good times on the pitch, my son Lennon was born there too.

“There’s stuff that I can look back on more fondly now I’ve stopped playing.

“I still follow Colchester’s fortunes and I’ve got a real affection for the club.

“I played at a couple of clubs that I didn’t have the same feeling for.

“I did well in spells – looking back, maybe I should have stayed.

“I moved back probably more for family reasons than footballing ones.

“I dropped down a league to join Fleetwood, thinking they could climb the leagues which they have done to be fair.

“The chairman was very ambitious but in his ambition, he was just relentless in his player turnover.

“So if you weren’t doing it that week, there was somebody else playing in your spot whereas at Colchester, I had a longer spell in the side and at the club.”

Gillespie joined Colchester from Cheltenham Town, a few weeks after the U’s relegation from the Championship.

He ended up making more than 200 career appearances for the club, before leaving to join Fleetwood Town in 2012.

“I had offers from Championship clubs but as soon as Colchester came in, I was impressed by the chairman,” said Gillespie, who also had spells at the likes of Bristol Rovers and Bristol City.

“Robbie (Cowling) was very, very eager but unfortunately it didn’t really work out and a few years later, he went down a different route trying to stabilise the club.

“But he didn’t half have a go at trying to get the club back up.

“He threw a lot of money at it and did what he thought was best, which unfortunately didn’t work out but we had a good go.

“It took a bit longer than we wanted to settle after the relegation and there was a high turnover of players.

“The manager Geraint (Williams) didn’t last very long and I didn’t play many games under him at all and quite a few managers and players came and went.

“As a player, I hold my hands up – had I stayed fit a bit more and scored a few more goals, it might have been different.”

Gillespie’s son Lennon was Colchester’s mascot for their 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers, last weekend.

The eight-year-old led the U’s out at Prenton Park ahead of the League Two clash, watched by his proud dad.

Lennon, who was born in Colchester during his father’s time at the JobServe Community Stadium, is a U’s supporter – thanks to his Gillespie senior’s influence.

Gillespie said: “Lennon was born in Colchester and it was great that the lads Matty Hudson and David Gregory have sorted me out really well, with short notice.

“We got him in the new kit and got him on the pitch.

“It’s his favourite story to tell everyone – when they ask him who he supports, he says Colchester.

“I was fortunate to be born in a big city like Liverpool and I support them.

“But equally, I think if you’re born in Colchester you should be a Colchester fan, which he is.

“He’s got Colchester in his passport as his place of birth and it’s an interesting story for him to tell particularly as he has a scouse accent – it doesn’t give it away.

“He enjoys going to Anfield but he’s definitely a Colchester fan and I think he always will be.

“Lennon’s really got into his footy recently – he’s just turned eight and the World Cup probably really helped - he knows more players than I do!”

Gillespie is now working as Programme Manager for Liverpool Football Club’s international academies.

The former Reds trainee devises programmes for the Premier League club’s coaches, with the aim of trying to mirror the Liverpool’s UK academy as much as possible.

He sald: “We try and replicate those sessions as much as we can globally, so we can try and get that next one in,” said Gillespie, who is based at Liverpool’s academy.

“It’s come full circle for me and I don’t take that for granted.

“I went back as a part-time coach with the under-11s and I’ve been in my current role for just over a year now – I’m loving it.”