Former Colchester United defender Peter Cawley believes his former club are well placed for a promotion challenge out of League One this season.

Cawley recently returned to the U's to play in a 'legends' match against Ipswich Town's old boys.

"Fair play to the chairman Mr Cowling because he's taken the club forward," he told BBC Essex.

"There's a hardcore of support here who deserve to see a successful team," the former Wimbledon centre-half added.

Cawley made more than 200 appearances for Colchester in his six years at the club from 1992 to 1998.

In 1997 he appeared at Wembley in the Football League Trophy final and was involved in a play-off semi-final defeat in the same season.

The following year though he achieved promotion through the play-offs, although Cawley missed the final win over Torquay.

A few of us ex-pros went and did the knowledge and became cab drivers Peter Cawley

All that was achieved at Colchester's tight Layer Road ground before the move to their Community Stadium three years ago.

"It's all here for the players, they even get fed here after training," said Cawley, who also played for Bristol Rovers, Fulham, Southend, Exeter and Barnet.

"We never had that during my time, it was either the pie and mash shop or fish and chips."

Cawley now works as a London taxi driver following his departure from Wycombe Wanderers where he was assistant-manager to Tony Adams.

"I got the sack and said to myself I'd never let that happen again so a few of us ex-pros went and did the knowledge and became cab drivers," he added.

"I listen out for Colchester's results when I'm driving to work on a Saturday but I don't miss the day-to-day involvement.

"This town needs a football club and I'm proud to think during my time we gave the supporters something to cheer about."

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