Colchester United pay tribute to double-winner Smith

Nicky Smith made his Colchester United debut in 1990 [Colchester United FC]

Colchester United have paid tribute to former midfielder Nicky Smith who has died at the age of 57.

Having begun his playing career at Southend United, he joined the U's in 1990 and two years later helped them complete a Conference title-FA Trophy double.

Following a brief spell at Northampton Town, he later became a police officer while playing non-league football for teams including Sudbury Town, who he helped reach the second round of the FA Cup in 1996.

He also played for the national police team and had spells in management with AFC Sudbury and Saffron Walden.

"Colchester United are saddened to learn of the passing of former midfielder Nicky Smith," said a post on the club's Instagram page.

And the club's former players association said on Facebook: "Anyone who knew Nicky will know how loved he was on and off the field and will be so sadly missed.

"At this sad time our thoughts are with his family, friends and former team-mates. RIP Nicky - your smile and humour will be missed."

Smith scored 12 goals in 157 appearances for the U's, including the second in their 3-1 FA Trophy win over Witton Albion at Wembley.

He played for both Sudbury Town and AFC Sudbury, created after a merger with Sudbury Wanderers, either side of five years with Braintree Town.

"He was a member of the 2000-1 team that won promotion to the Isthmian League Premier Division, our first time at step two, as it then was," Braintree said in a post on X.

"Nicky left for Maldon Town at the end of the 2001-2 season having started 208 competitive games, appeared as a sub a further nine times, and scored 23 goals.

"Living in the town, Nicky continued to be a frequent visitor and friend of the club over the intervening years. The club send our condolences to Nicky's family and friends at this sad time."