Phil Parkinson paid a glowing tribute to Colchester United's fans today as he began the task of rallying his Layer Road troops after their heaviest home League defeat for 35 years.

U's boss Parkinson, said: "Our supporters came through with flying colours," after watching his side crash 5-0 to Second Division top nine rivals Luton Town yesterday.

He went on: "Never once did the fans get on the players' backs despite the fact that we suffered a bad day at the office.

"They have been brilliant ever since I came to the club in February and I'm sure we'll bounce back for them in a big way at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday."

Parkinson was quick to point out that he and his coaching staff will not be getting carried away by the U's poor showing just two days after watching them produce their best qualities in last Saturday's 3-0 win at promotion chasing Cardiff.

He said: "Saturday's performance was as good as this big beating was bad for us, but having registered just one defeat in 15 previous matches we haven't become a bad side overnight."

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Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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