Baldwin joined Colchester from Chelsea in 2002

Colchester United defender Pat Baldwin has admitted he thought his career was over at the Community Stadium.

The 27-year-old, who was out of favour with previous boss Aidy Boothroyd last season, has started the last four games for John Ward's side.

He told BBC Essex: "Perhaps there was a time when I didn't think I would be in a shirt.

"The gaffer's given me a chance at the club and I'm trying to repay that faith he's shown in me."

Baldwin played just eight times for Colchester last season and spent the end of the campaign on loan at Southend United.

The former Chelsea trainee has benefited from an injury to fellow centre-half Paul Reid, slotting in to partner Magnus Okuonghae in a central defence that kept a clean sheet in Saturday's 1-0 win at Walsall.

You get more enjoyment out of it, the joy at the end when you do win a game like that is fantastic Colchester's Pat Baldwin after their 1-0 win over Walsall

"We work well together, we compliment each other's games," he said.

"We've got four fantastic centre-backs at the club with Paul Reid and Matty Heath, any four of us can play in there and do a good job."

Ward's side are still undefeated in League One this season thanks to the win at the Bescot Stadium.

Baldwin says the gritty performance was pleasing for the team's defenders.

"You get more enjoyment out of it, the joy at the end when you do win a game like that is fantastic," he added.

"That's the reason I play football and I think it's thoroughly deserved after the last few weeks."

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