John McGreal has praised the senior players that have been told their contracts won't be renewed in the summer.
All four, Luke Prosser, Frank Nouble, Ryan Jackson and Brandon Comley, were contracted until the end of June and have been informed that they aren't to be retained by the U's once those contracts expire.
Chairman Robbie Cowling explained the situation in his statement on Monday, saying it was a very difficult decision, and Head Coah John McGreal has heaped praise on the quartet for their contribution whilst at the club.
He told the Colchester Gazette: "They’ve been absolutely brilliant for me. I’ve been in touch with the boys and they’ve been a credit to themselves and the football club."
"Luke Prosser’s been club captain and he’s been brilliant for me and Noubs has played a lot of games for us and done well.
"Jacko has been our regular right-back for a number of years and Coms produced some strong performances across the course of this season and got international call-ups.
"These boys have been brilliant for us, since they’ve been at the club. They’ve been a large part of it, over a number of years.”
McGreal could be without the services of the key quartet should the 2019/20 campaign resume in June, as the EFL hope.
He said: "The club has made a decision at a business level and we won’t be the only club making these decisions, in these circumstances."
"It’s an unprecedented situation and as Robbie has said, in these unprecedented times we can’t commit to the contracts.
"Colchester United is a well-run, hard-working and together club and Robbie has shown a lot of honesty, in what he’s said.
"We’re still waiting to hear what’s going to happen with the season and when we might be able to come back.
"I don’t think anyone can make any commitments or promises, at this stage."