JASON Dozzell believes that the loss of Wayne Brown to Hull City was a prime reason for Colchester United's relegation from the Championship this season.

Carl Marston

JASON Dozzell believes that the loss of Wayne Brown to Hull City was a prime reason for Colchester United's relegation from the Championship this season.

Dozzell ended his professional playing career at Layer Road, playing both as a central midfielder and a makeshift striker during four seasons with the U's.

The 40-year-old scored nine goals in 91 league appearances for United, during the managerial reins of Steve Wignall, Mick Wadsworth and Steve Whitton.

“I'm really gutted that my old club Colchester have gone down this year,” insisted Dozzell.

“I'm a good friend of George (Geraint) Williams and I always wish him all the best. Colchester had such a fantastic first season in the Championship (10th in the table) and they can still hold their heads up high, despite being relegated.

“They've continued to entertain, and have scored lots of goals, but they've conceded too many.

“I think that they have definitely missed Wayne Brown. He was an important member of their defence, and I've been watching him produce the goods for Hull this season.

“If Hull go up, then Wayne will have had a big part to play,” added Dozzell.