Micky Cook today revealed his 'extreme disappointment' at being forced to leave his Director of Youth post at Colchester United.
The U's legend has been made redundant - ending his 30-year stay with the U's - but admits the future looks bright for the club's young players coming through the ranks at Layer Road.
Cook said: "I'd like to say how extremely disappointed I am to have to leave my position.
"Youth development is a huge investment of time and money, which carries no guarantee of success.
"Therefore, I'm delighted we have had considerable return on that investment and I'm pleased the future looks bright with more success to come from the current crop of youngsters."
Cook, the club's record appearance-maker, played a big part in bringing through the likes of Lomana Tresor Lua Lua and Greg Halford.
The youth development department will now be run by former U's star Joe Dunne and Adrian Webster, with first-team boss Phil Parkinson still keen to give youngsters a chance when they get to an age to push for senior football.
And the U's boss took time to praise Cook for his efforts in setting up a flow of talent into the U's professional ranks.
Parkinson said: "While I've been here, he has conducted himself in a professional way and offered me every assistance. I'm sure he will take pride in the current crop of youngsters coming through.
Published Wednesday August 4, 2004
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