FANS and former favourites reunited for John White’s testimonial match at Roots Hall this afternoon. 

White lined up for both the Southend United and Colchester United legends side in front of a crowd of 1,500.

And White - who made 288 appearances for Blues during a nine year spell with the club said it was afternoon he would never forget.

“It was incredible,” said White.

“It was everything and more that I could’ve hoped for.

“It was a brilliant turn out.

“Obviously the weather helped but it was so enjoyable for myself.

“Yes the planning and organising has been stressful but what a day it’s been with the fans and players giving up their time and money.”

White will be best remembered for captaining Blues to play-off final glory against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley back in 2015 and for scoring against Sunderland on the final day of the 2018/19 season to avoid relegation.

Echo: Proud - Proud - John White walks out on to the pitch alongside his son Jacob Proud - Proud - John White walks out on to the pitch alongside his son Jacob

But White’s final outings will also last long in the memory.

“It’s the end of an era but what a way to go out with those two last games,” said White.

“The reception I got from the fans against Torquay was spine-tingling and the testimonial has been incredible too.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

“It means a lot to me and it’s something I’ll never forget.

“This club has been a massive part of my life and so was my previous club.

“But finishing off with a day like this makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“All the stress and pain that goes into being a professional footballer are worth it for days like this.”

Southend won White’s testimonial match 3-1 with Barry Corr bagging a brace and Michael Timlin also scoring from long range.

Adam Barrett, Ben Coker, Anthony Grant, Neil Harris and Alan McCormack were also among those to line up for the Southend side.

Prior to White’s testimonial, the Essex Charity Cup took place between a Shrimpers side and Leyton Orient.

Echo: Organiser - Rylee Doe (left) with Charlie Edinburgh Organiser - Rylee Doe (left) with Charlie Edinburgh

The match saw supporters of both sides take to the pitch alongside current Blues coaches Mark Bentley and Darren Currie.

Television celebrity Mark Wright was part of the Orient side alongside his brother Josh.

And match organiser Rylee Doe was delighted with the day which saw funds being raised for the Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation.

“It’s been unreal, said Doe.

“Everything I dreamt it could be it’s been double that.

“We had 1,500 people here where three years ago in our last match we had 200.

“There have been a lot of late nights planning this but it’s all been worth it.”