Alex Gilbey on his Wembley experience.
His performances in the amber shirt of Newport had had many of their fans clamouring for a return next season as they venture into League Two.
"I had to work hard to get into the team, but I was determined to stay there and play at Wembley. To step out here and be in a winning side was just unbelievable."
"I came out to get some experience and that's definitely happened, and it's been a dream come true as a young lad to get the chance to get promoted.
He said: "It's brilliant, just the best feeling ever.
And the teenager was delighted to have played his part.
Having played both legs of the semi-final of the Play-Offs, 18-year-old Alex played the full ninety minutes at Wembley to help Newport beat Wrexham 2-0.
U's midfielder Alex Gilbey believes promotion at Wembley was the "best feeling ever" as he helped Newport County back into the Football League. "Newport will always be in my heart, but the hard work starts now and for me to be ready for next season."
He added: "I've grown up a lot on and off the pitch during my time here, and now I want to fight for my place at Colchester.
But Alex is keen to try and push his way into the U's team in the first instance, with boss Joe Dunne having watched on at Wembley.