No Regrets For Kem Izzet

Departing Kem Izzet has told BBC Essex that he has no regrets over leaving the U’s, but did admit to being disappointed that his pre-season form wasn’t enough to be given a chance.

The U’s midfielder suffered from a number of injury problems last season and found it difficult to settle into the U’s side for any length of time – a case in point was returning from injury away to Doncaster only to go off again.

However, the 32-year-old revealed to BBC Essex that he has missed only one day of training since the U’s squad returned for pre-season as well as, of course, featuring in the friendlies.

‘I’ve had no hip problem this year, I’ve been fit all season but just not chosen which is the manager’s decision,’ he revealed. ‘I want to carry on playing and have a couple of years left in me, but Colchester didn’t think so so I have to move on.

‘My only argument is why wasn’t I given a chance for the first game once pre-season was over, because I thought I had done well. But I have no arguments once they were up and running as they have been playing fantastically.’

The tenacious midfielder is the only member of the U’s Hall of Fame to have been elected whilst still playing for the club, and U’s fans will be left with plenty of fond memories.

Izzet arrived at Layer Road twelve years ago as ‘Muzzy Izzet’s little brother’, but he was quick to make a name for himself throughout the Football League with a host of impressive performances.

A battling central midfielder who, to begin with at least, could always be counted on to pop up with a goal, Izzet was speculated to be interesting teams from higher up the ladder, but never made a move.

He was able to progress with the U’s, as he played his part in both the 2005/06 promotion campaign and then the hugely successful first season in the Championship – his fondest memories, he admits.

‘I’ve seen the club through the bad and good but, of course, Colchester United moves on and so does Kem Izzet,’ he explained. ‘We both move on without each other and there are no hard feelings.

‘When we won about ten in a row at home in the Championship takes some beating – that season was fantastic and will live in my memory forever.’

What will the future hold for Izzet, though? At only 32, the fifth-highest appearance maker for the U’s admits that he would like to continue playing for the foreseeable future.

Longer-term, though, and Izzet reveals that he would like to take the managerial hotseat for himself one day.

He finished: ‘Coaching is one avenue I’ve looked at but would probably be short-term. I’d rather be a manager and make the decisions – I’d rather get sacked doing it my way then someone else’s way.

‘I didn’t see it lasting twelve years when I first signed, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I have got no regrets.’


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