TODAY is the 18th anniversary of Colchester United's historic promotion.

On this day back in 2006, Phil Parkinson’s U's side clinched a magnificent promotion to English football’s second tier for the first time in their history.

A 0-0 draw at Yeovil Town was enough to clinch Colchester runners-up spot in League One and earn them a place in the Championship for the first time ever.

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There were memorable scenes on the final whistle at Huish Park, as the jubilant U's players, staff and supporters celebrated.

It was a game of few chances at Yeovil but the U's point was enough to secure them promotion to the Championship.

“It was probably the worst game of football of the season, if I’m honest,” said U's legend Karl Duguid.

Gazette:

“It wasn’t a great one to play in but it was fantastic when that final whistle went.

“Dannsy (Neil Danns) had a chance to run it into the corner at one point and he chose to have a shot and we all had a go at him and said ‘we have seconds left - just keep the ball!’ “We had a job to do that day and everybody that played, did what they had to do.”

Parkinson left Colchester shortly after that season to take over as Hull City manager and was replaced by his assistant manager, Geraint Williams.

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Colchester went on to finish a magnificent tenth in the Championship the following season, which remains the highest-ever finish in the club's history.

Parkinson, who has just led Wrexham to a second successive promotion after they finished as League Two runners-up, was named as the U’s greatest manager by the club’s fans in a poll conducted in 2014, as part of the Football League’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

The Colchester team that day was: Dean Gerken, John White, Liam Chilvers, Pat Baldwin, Karl Duguid, Greg Halford, Neil Danns, Kevin Watson, Chris Iwelumo, Jamal Campbell-Ryce (sub Kem Izzet, 76), Scott Vernon (sub Tony Thorpe, 81). Subs (not used): Garry Richards, Billy Clarke, Mark Cousins.