‘To see our leader go was hard to take’ – Colchester United’s Alex Gilbey

Dunne had overseen Gilbey’s rise from the youth team into regular first team football, so it was not surprising that the 19-year-old should be so upset with the Irishman’s exit. However, midfielder Gilbey is talking positive, for the season ahead under new boss Tony Humes, following Saturday’s goalless draw at Walsall. “I was gutted when Joe (Dunne) left, because of everything he did for me,” confessed Gilbey. “I found out through Twitter, and it was devastating to find out the news. I had no inkling it was going to happen, and when it did, I was in complete shock. “I rung a few of the lads, and they were all in shock. There were a lot of gutted players. “Joe was a big influence on me, both on and off the pitch. “We had a real good togetherness in the squad, and to see our leader go was hard to take. But that’s football and you have to move on. “Personally, it was a very tough week for me, because Joe showed a lot of faith in me as a young lad. “I’ve known him a long time, so personally I took it very hard. “But I’m sure he will get another good job, because he is a good manager. “I wish him all the best and thank him for what he has done for me.” With regards the U’s new management team, Gilbey continued: “It helps that Tony (Humes) has taken over. In fact, I couldn’t have wished for a better manager to take over, having been with him and (assistant) Richard (Hall) in the youth team. “They were the ones who signed me, so the changes have not been too drastic.” Gilbey admitted that he thought his team deserved a penalty, following what looked like a foul on Sanchez Watt early in the second half. “I thought it was a stone-wall penalty,” insisted Gilbey. “I saw the referee about to blow his whistle, and I was completely surprised when he said play on. “But that’s the way we are at the moment.”

The U’s are on the road again, for Humes’ second match in charge, at Leyton Orient this Saturday.