Karl Duguid was astonished by the number of fans who turned out to support his testimonial match.

Thanks - Karl Duguid shows his appreciation to the fans Picture: ROB SAMBROOK

The Colchester United midfielder kicked-off the pre-season friendly against West Ham United that ended in a 2-1 win for the Hammers.

He told the Evening Gazette: "I was amazed when I walked out of the tunnel to see so many people.

"I had been bothering the girls in the ticket office all week about how many they had sold and I was a little bit shocked when they told me earlier today that over 4,000 had gone.

"I really wasn't expecting to see any more than about 3,000 for the match.

"It was a big surprise.

"I enjoyed the evening as a whole and I hope that all the people that made the effort to turn up enjoyed it as well.

"It was a special night and my daughter also scored a penalty in the half-time competition, I don't know who has been giving her lessons, but it certainly hasn't been me," joked Duguid, who failed to score from the spot in the penalty shoot out that cost the U's victory in the Autowindscreens Shield final in 1997.

Published Thursday July 29, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette