Colchester United's departing captain Luke Prosser says his farewells.
"I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the football club for all they have done for me in the past four years.
From the Chairman, to the management, catering, Nancy and the girls at reception, David Gregory, and many more I haven't mentioned.
It’s a fantastic club with some great people and I've loved every minute of my time here.
Unfortunately, it wasn't quite the dream ending that I'd hoped for but never the less, I'm extremely proud of what we have achieved as a team and a club this season.
We gave it absolutely everything over the two legs against a very good Exeter side but a promotion wasn't meant to be this season.
Congratulations though must go to Northampton Town on promotion to League One with a great victory in the final at Wembley.
A huge thanks in my time here goes to the Gaffer and Steve Ball for bringing me to the football club four years ago.
I know the gaffer has recently departed but I can’t speak highly enough of him as a manager and a person. I have no doubt he will go on and have a great career in management.
The Gaffer gave me the honour of being your club captain upon my arrival and that was an extremely proud moment for myself and my family.
It’s something I always wanted to achieve in my playing career, and I'll be forever grateful to have been given that opportunity .
This season, we obviously had the disappointment with our exit from the Play-Offs but the cup run we all experienced together, beating the likes of Crystal Palace, and Spurs, was incredible.
For myself to lead the team and the club out at Old Trafford against a full strength Manchester United side will be something I'll never forget.
It was an amazing experience for us all, and an unbelievable night for you fans. For a League Two side to make the quarter finals is an unbelievable achievement and I'm extremely proud of all the boys and to have experienced that journey with them all.
The squads I've been a part of the last few years, every year we formed a great team spirit amongst us all, which definitely made my job as captain a lot easier. I've also certainly made some friends for life, which is not too common in football.
I'm more than confident that next season can be just as positive for you all and hopefully, it will end in promotion to League One.
It’s a great squad of players with some good up and coming youngsters who would have learnt a great deal this season, especially with the Play-Offs and cup run.
That will only help them in their development, and hopefully next season will be a big year for some. I wish all the lads the very best of luck in achieving promotion next season.
Last, but certainly not least, to you fans. I can't thank you enough for welcoming me in to your club.
I'm sure a lot of you had your doubts especially with me joining from Southend. But from minute one, you've all been fantastic to me as your captain, and I really appreciate that.
The support I've seen from you all home and away in the last four years is unbelievable and some of the best I've seen - and you really do help make a difference when we are on the pitch. So keep that up.
Hopefully, we can all cross paths at some point next season. Thanks again, it’s been a pleasure playing for the club the last four years and I wish you all the best for next season and the future."
Pross