This Is Essex partner the Gazette readers to cast their vote for the player or manager they thought was the most deserving of the title Colchester United Man of the Century.

Here's one of the letters received so far...

"Regarding the U's Player of the Century, many come to mind such as Peter Wright, John Fowler, George Fisher, Percy Ames, Tommy Millar, Bobby Hunt, and Duncan Forbes.

But there can only be one winner, the first name any manager would put on his team sheet, and that without doubt is Mark Kinsella.

His vision, skill on the ball, ability to read the game, are second to none.

He would always accept the referee's decision, and get up from a bad tackle with no thought of any retaliation. The goals he scored will long live in the memory of all U's fans.

The one he scored against Plymouth at Layer Road, in the play-off semi-final will take some beating.

It was inevitable that such talent would leave Layer Road, going on to be captain of a Premiership club and become a full international for his country.

Mark is a credit to the game, and a perfect example to any youngster.

DAVID CHEESEMAN,

Ewan Way,

Stanway,

Colchester

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.