Jackson is nearing the end of his second season with the U's (Getty)

Colchester midfielder Johnnie Jackson feels honoured to have been voted player of the year by the fans.

The 25-year-old endeared himself to the U's faithful by playing in every minute of every game and scoring seven goals.

He told BBC Essex: "It's extra special to be voted for by the fans, they've turned out every week to support us through difficult times this season.

"They've been fantastic, they haven't got on our backs at all when they might have done when we haven't performed."

I'd rather win the player of the year in a team that was doing well rather than struggling Colchester midfielder Johnnie Jackson

He added: "Form-wise this is probably the best I've played, it's the most goals I've scored in a season, the most games I've played in the season.

"It helps any player playing every week regularly because that's the way you get your form."

Jackson admitted that, despite his accolade, he still felt the pain of relegation from the Championship.

"I've played every game and the team's bottom of the league, so I'm as responsible for that as anyone.

"I'd rather win the player of the year in a team that was doing well rather than struggling."