KARL Duguid cannot wait to rekindle an Essex rivalry for Havens Hospices next month.

The Colchester United legend skippered the U’s to promotion from League One back in 2006.

And Duguid is already looking forward to lining up alongside his former team-mates against the Southend United side that won the title that same season at Roots Hall.

“I’m really looking forward to it and it’s for such a great cause as well,” said Duguid, who made 476 appearances for the U’s.

“Most of all I’m just really excited to see everyone again.

“I still speak to a few of the lads and we have our own WhatsApp groups and things like that.

“But this will get everyone back together and we’re looking forward to facing Southend again too.

“We had some great battles over the years because they were a really good side too.

“This one will be good fun too but I’m sure both sides will still want to win.”

Duguid will be joined by a number of his former team-mates including George Elokobi, Johnnie Jackson, Kevin Watson and Chris Iwelumo while his ex manager Phil Parkinson, who is now bossing Championship club Bolton Wanderers, will also be taking charge of the team.

"Just like Southend we had a special group at that time and the spirit we had was a big part in our success," said Duguid.

"Phil Parkinson really did his background on all of the lads and it definitely made a difference."

Colchester face the Shrimpers in the Sid Broomfield Trophy on Monday May 20th in a game which has been organised as part of Blues' legend Adam Barrett and Echosport's Chris Phillips fundraising for the London Marathon.

Darryl Flahavan, Kevin Maher, Mark Gower and Freddy Eastwood are among those in the Southend squad.

But Duguid hopes the event could happen more regularly.

"It would be great to have it taking place at our ground next year and make it an annual event for charity," said the 41-year-old.

"It's going to be great."

Tickets for the game, which cost £5 adults and £1 concessions can be bought on the Shrimpers Trust website or on the night of the game.

And Duguid is hoping to see a number of U’s fans in attendance.

“It would be great to have some fans there and to see them again too,” said Duguid.

“It’s a night which is going to bring back some great memories for everyone connected with Colchester.”

Colchester go in search of victory at Lincoln City on Saturday, with the aim of clinching a play-off spot.

Duguid said: “Fingers crossed they can do it.

“Unfortunately it’s reliant on other teams slipping up but you never know what can happen towards the end of the season.

"Lincoln have already won the league so you hope they might be in party mode.

“It’s a difficult game but all Colchester can do is when their games and hope it’s enough.

“I certainly hope they can do it.”

Colchester United squad for Southend game: Mark Cousins, Pat Baldwin, George Elokobi, Wayne Brown, Sam Stockley, John White, Garry Richards, Karl Duguid, Neil Danns, Kevin Watson, Johnnie Jackson, Kevin McLeod, Mark Yeates, Chris Iwelumo, Craig Fagan, Gareth Williams, Kem Izzet and Craig Hughes.