EX-Colchester United boss Roy McDonough has returned home to Spain, but not before praising U’s fans for their terrific support during the launch of his new book.

The fans flocked to meet McDonough, during his ‘A Night with Roy’ evening at the Essex club, and also two book signings.

And the 53-year-old admitted that the whole experience had been “humbling.”

McDonough enthused: “What’s so nice is that people have accepted me.

“It was unbelievable. For my book signing at Waterstones, the fans were queuing up to get into the building.

“And trust me, it was very humbling. The reaction of the fans has been fantastic.

“My first ‘do’ at Southend was sold out, and you couldn’t have got many more people in for the Colchester night (last Friday). I had nearly three hours on stage, because it was so enjoyable.

“And I don’t mind telling you that I was very emotional, because of the turn-out.

“People asked me about my father and I got choked, because my dad can’t see the book (‘Red Card Roy’) and he would have been so, so proud.

“But he can see it somewhere, because of the way I have been received by the fans. And do you know why? It’s because I did my job, to the best of my ability.

“I was honest and I wore my heart on my sleeve,” added McDonough, who guided the U’s back into the Football League as player-boss 20 years ago.

Of the U’s current lowly position, McDonough said: “The fans deserve better, and I don’t want to see Colchester struggling.”