WHERE one ex-Colchester United midfielder failed, another will be hoping for play-off glory this weekend.

Cheltenham boss Mark Yates, a central midfielder during the first of Colchester’s two seasons in the Conference, will be leading his team out at Wembley on Sunday for the League Two play-off final.

Yates has worked wonders to transform the Robins from relegation candidates last season, to promotion contenders this term.

Ironically, it is just over a year since Sunday’s final opponents, Crewe Alexandra, thrashed Cheltenham 8-1 in a humiliating League Two defeat.

Paul Buckle, another former U’s midfielder, suffered anguish at Wembley only last weekend, when his Luton Town side were beaten by York City in the Blue Square Premier play-off final.

But Yates will be hoping for better luck on Sunday.

The 42-year-old played 25 games on loan at Colchester, from Birmingham City, during the 1990-91 campaign in the Conference.

The U’s will find out whether Sheffield United or Huddersfield will be staying in League One next season, when the two Yorkshire clubs clash in tomorrow’s League One play-off final.

And the following day, John Ward’s men will also learn whether they will be travelling to Crewe, or Cheltenham, for a league game next term.