IT is perhaps a measure of Ossama Ashley’s rapid progression over the course of his solitary season with Colchester United that his departure has been met by such a level of disappointment among fans.

The general consensus among U’s supporters is that the midfielder’s move away from the JobServe Community Stadium is a loss to the squad, particularly as he has moved to one of their League Two rivals, Salford City.

A quick glance at the number of comments posted on the Daily Gazette website following Ashley’s departure – along with the numerous other words written elsewhere on social media after the news broke of him leaving – shows just how valued the midfielder had become among the U’s fanbase.

READ MORE: Ossama Ashley leaves Colchester to join Salford

Ashley went from strength to strength for Colchester after joining them from West Ham United last summer; he arrived as a promising yet unproven youngster and has now left as a confident player who has started to show his potential.

Gazette:

That the U’s were unbeaten in 15 of the 20 games he played in 2023, in a testing and challenging season where their EFL status was only assured in the final weeks, is testament to how effective the former AFC Wimbledon youngster has been in midfield with his tenacity and tireless endeavour.

Indeed, Ashley’s partnership with Arthur Read was blossoming by the end of the season and offered much promise for the coming season; now we shall never know just how good it could have been.

READ MORE: Ben Garner makes transfer pledge as U's go after new signings

And yet Colchester fans should take comfort in the fact that no matter how good they are, every player is replaceable.

Gazette:

While Ashley’s departure, along with Cole Skuse’s retirement, has left them a little light in the central midfield area, there are still options for Ben Garner.

If Read is seen as a likely starter come the start of the new campaign on August 5, there are a number of options to join him, in the U’s engine room.

READ MORE: Frank Nouble links up again with John McGreal after training with Ipswich under-21s

Marley Marshall Miranda, like Ashley a promising young midfielder, played 22 times last season and at 20 years old, will be hoping to establish himself as a regular starter for the first team.

New signing Ellis Iandolo, recognised now predominantly as a left-back, started out as a central midfielder.

Gazette: Ellis Iandolo

In his season under Garner at Swindon Town, he answered a call in an injury and finished an exciting campaign in central midfield, where he also impressed.

Alex Newby and Noah Chilvers could be called up in a more withdrawn role, perhaps if a diamond formation is deployed, while youngster Gene Kennedy will be hoping to stake a claim for a first-team place, after an injury-interrupted campaign last time around.

READ MORE: Tom Eastman joins National League side after U's exit

Colchester fans unhappy with Ashley’s exit might also take solace from what happened, 12 months ago.

This time last summer, Brendan Wiredu, who had played 45 times for the U’s in the 2021-22 campaign, left for League One side Fleetwood Town.

Gazette:

Ashley eventually proved a worthy replacement and the U’s have plenty of irons in the fire, to fill the void now left by his departure.

Crucially too, Colchester received an undisclosed fee for a player they signed on a free transfer, boosting their funds for not only a potential replacement but also their spending power in other areas.

It also reflects on a wise piece of recruitment by the club, less than 12 months ago.

So while the departure of Ashley, a young player with a promising future, is a shame, especially given his impressive form in the final weeks of last season, U’s fans should perhaps not feel too disconsolate about his exit.