Loaned Colchester United defender Pat Baldwin has been temporarily skippering arch rivals Sothend – in the same season was first officially named U`s club captain.
It remains unclear if Aidy Boothroyd will select Baldwin again following his last less-than-successful cameo appearance for Colchester, in an ignominious 5-0 home defeat to Norwich City. However, on Friday prior to the weekend`s slip-up at Hartlepool, Boothroyd indicated in the East Anglian Daily Times that some presently out-of-favour players would get “a second chance” next season.
Baldwin has been wearing the armband for the Shrimpers in their last two matches, after a hamstring injury ruled out regular team-leader, Adam Barrett. He called it both an “an honour” and “a privilege” to have done so when talking to BBC Radio Essex after their defeat against Brighton.
Former Chelsea trainee Baldwin is however under contract at Colchester until 2012 and would be due a testimonial should that deal run its course, which seemed a certainty to happen at the start of the season when he was promoted as captain by Paul Lambert.
He has since endured a torrid time under Boothroyd, suffering an unfortunate injury in the new manager`s first game against Southampton before losing his place and being told he was surplus to requirements partway through what was initially a strictly rehabilitative sojourn with Bristol Rovers.
Protracted negotiations with Rovers fell through in January as Colchester tried to sell Baldwin permanently, after he appeared to make a farewell substitute appearance in United colours against City upon his short-stayed return to North Essex.
Baldwin has refused to be drawn on his future on several occasions but would presumably reluctant to commit to the Shrimpers, a side very nearly condemned to life in League Two next season as relegation looms. 
So what do you think?
Let us know with a comment below, or chat about this article in the forum. Not yet a member? Don’t panic, click on the banner below to join in.
We want to know YOUR thoughts…
VITAL COLCHESTER; YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE!
VITAL COLCHESTER IS 100% UNOFFICIAL – FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS!
Hasn’t exactly plugged the gaping hole in Southends defence
No, OJJ quite correct! So has he cot a Col Utd fututre?!
People keep saying ‘Pat Baldwin is the answer to our problems’ – is he though? It only because he isn’t here! lol If he aint gonna be regular then he may as well go, which will free up some space on the wage bill.
Well, he wasn’t exactly unfit when he came off the bench and made a mistake against Norwich, although the game was lost and by that point Boothroyd had already made him an outcast… he doesn’t have a future at the club, clearly. Otherwise, why wasn’t he brought back instead of Aidy bringing in someone probably just as expensive – albeit with more still – in Franck Queudrue?
A clever footballer who tries to pass the ball & retain possession, from the back, doesn’t seem to fit in to Aidy’s masterplan. I don’t care what system we play if it’s getting results, but right now it ain’t & personally I’d prefer to be watching the sort of team that Pat Baldwin fits into.
Speaking sentimentally, I’d like to see Baldwin back at the club. Can’t see it happening, though!
Paul Reid is a bigger miss
The stats seem to show that is true! Clean sheets when Reid was in the team.
Haha – what if the sort of team that Pat Baldwin fitted into was Southend, Tubbsy?! Would you watch them…? 😛
Now, now Matt, don’t twist my words, I think we both know things could never get THAT desperate!
Well, I know… I was just being childish! But Vernon is there too and Southend is pretty close, after all…!! Up The U’s!
lol @ Tubbsy & Matt…! Up the U’s!!!!