Former Colchester United manager Geraint Williams has urged the club’s supporters to turn out in force for Kem Izzet’s big day.
U’s skipper Izzet, who celebrates a decade with the club with a testimonial on Saturday, played under Williams for more than two seasons.
The long-serving midfielder was a key part of Williams’ Colchester side that achieved the club’s highest-ever finish of tenth in the Championship, in the 2006-07 season.
Williams will link up again with former U’s coaching colleagues Phil Parkinson and Brian Owen to take charge of a celebrity XI, against Colchester’s current side.
He is hoping U’s fans flock to the Weston Homes Community Stadium to support Izzet’s testimonial, which starts at 1pm.
Williams said: “I hope Kem will get the turnout that he deserves and that people come and support him.
“It’s a fantastic achievement these days to spend so long at one club.
“I’m sure Kem had a few offers to move elsewhere but managers have not wanted to let him go.
“That’s certainly been the case in Kem’s career and they have all recognised what he can bring to the team and the dressing room.
“When Kem first came in from Charlton under Steve Whitton, the first thing we saw was his hunger to be a footballer.
“He was hungry to come to us and kick-start his career with us.
“When he first came to the club, he was seen as a bit of a goalscoring midfielder.
“But he’s changed his game to suit the team’s he’s played in and has done the job that is required of him.
“Whenever he is asked to do something for the team, he goes out and does it."
For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Thursday's Gazette.
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