ABSOLUTELY magic.

That’s how Colchester United legend Steve Foley has described being inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

Foley, who made more than 300 league and cup appearances for the U’s between 1971 and 1981 after emerging through the youth ranks at Layer Road, was officially included in the club’s gallery of all-time greats at the Former Players’ Association dinner, on Saturday night.

The popular 65-year-old, who was given a standing ovation by those in attendance amid emotional scenes at the JobServe Community Stadium, says he was delighted to receive the accolade.

Foley said: “It’s absolutely magic.

“It was still a shock when it happened, as it hadn’t happened before that.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am.

“I’m thankful to the club for everything they’ve done.

“I signed as a schoolboy, I signed as an apprentice, I signed as a professional and I managed the club, so I’ve done everything at Colchester United – the whole lot and I’m proud of it!

“We won promotion and I was very proud to captain the side and later become manager.

“I was Colchester’s caretaker manager at Christmas when we were bottom of the league and we played Southend, who were top of the league.

“We went to Roots Hall and we won 2-0 – it’s a funny old game.”

Foley remains a hugely popular figure in East Anglian football.

In addition to his considerable contribution at Colchester as a player and coach, he spent time at Norwich City where he worked at first team, reserve and academy level and also at Ipswich Town, along with supplying his wealth of knowledge at a number of non-league clubs in north Essex and Suffolk.

Foley became the latest former player to be inducted into Colchester’s Hall of Fame on Saturday night along with the club’s ex-attacker, Ian Allinson.

The likes of Karl Duguid, Kem Izzet, David Gregory and Bobby Hunt were also in attendance at the latest Former Players’ Association event, which was spearheaded by John Schultz.

“It’s history and you should be proud of it,” added Foley.

“You don’t want to forget today’s players, in ten, 15, 20 years’ time.

“If they get promoted, great stuff!”