Crowds gathered to see a statue unveiled of a Colchester United legend at the heart of the club’s former stadium.
The former U’s Layer Road ground has been redeveloped into housing, but the figure was funded by Abbey Developments along with Colchester Borough Council.
The statue immortalises Peter Wright who was voted as player of the century by fans in a poll in 2000.
He achieved more than 400 appearances for the club, where he spent his whole career, and has been inducted into the U’s Hall of Fame.
Players past and present were at the ceremony, as well as Peter’s widow Lindsey Wright and Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell who between them unveiled the statue.
Sir Bob said: “Peter was an incredibly gifted player and a special person. In fact, he was my childhood hero and I was lucky enough to live just ten doors away from him when I was growing up.
“He came from a very talented family, and had a frightening pace about him. My favourite memory of him was scoring that famous diving header for Colchester United against a certain Gordon Banks, who was in goal for Chesterfield at the time
“He really was one of the greatest players to have graced Layer Road.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here