Joe Keith and his Colchester United team-mates today spoke of their 'surprise and disappointment' at Steve Whitton's departure from Layer Road.
The U's boss left by mutual consent yesterday after nine years with the club - the last three and half in the managerial hot-seat.
And Keith, one of a crop of players to establish themselves under Whitton, told the Evening Gazette: "I'm disappointed.
"Myself and the rest of the lads never had any doubts we'd get out of this trouble under Steve.
"That's why the timing has come as quite a surprise."
Karl Duguid admitted he had not seen the announcement coming.
"I can't believe it," he said. "Spirit and confidence was not a problem in the camp - the only thing missing was the results.
"Even so, we were all in it together and the feeling was definitely that we could turn things round."
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Published Thursday, January 30, 2003
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