FORMER Colchester United stalwart Peter Wright, one of the greatest players to don a U’s shirt, has died at the age of 78, following a long illness.

Exciting winger Wright, who is fourth in the U’s all-time appearance makers list, signed for the Essex club as a part-time professional in November, 1951.

Wright made his debut the following year, and stayed at his beloved U’s for 13 seasons, making his final appearance against Shrewsbury Town in April, 1964.

Ironically, Shrewsbury are the U’s opponents this Saturday.

Wright scored 96 goals in all competitions for the U’s, and actually held the club record for the most league appearances (427) until Micky Cook overhauled him in the 1980s.

Only Cook (613), Mike Walker (451) and Steve Leslie (432) have played more league games than Wright for the U’s.

In his later years, he played a key role in the club’s Former Players’ Association, for which he was chairman.