Colchester United are mourning the loss of a club legend after former chairman Peter Heard died on Saturday at the age of 87. Heard, who oversaw the U's rise from the fourth tier to the Championship - Colchester's highest-ever level - during his tenure, leaves behind a legacy that will never fade for the Layer Road faithful.
Who was Peter Heard?
Heard took charge at Colchester United in 1998 and steered the club through its most dramatic period in modern history. Under his watch, the U's climbed from League Two to the Championship for the first time ever, a feat that still resonates with supporters today. He sold the club in 2006, stepped down as chairman in 2007, and became life president in 2008 - the same year Colchester moved into the Colchester Community Stadium.
His influence stretched far beyond Layer Road. Heard served on the boards of the Football Association and the EFL, and even held the role of acting chairman of the League. An EFL statement called him a "hugely influential figure across English football" who dedicated his life to the game.
How the club reacted
Robbie Cowling, the current chairman, said: "Peter dedicated so much of his life to Colchester United and leaves behind a legacy that will always be remembered by everyone connected with the football club." Cowling took over from Heard in 2006 and quickly realised the depth of his predecessor's passion. "When I took over the club from Peter in 2006, I quickly came to appreciate his passion for the club and unwavering commitment to ensuring it had the strongest possible future."
Heard's death comes as Colchester sit 12th in England League Two with 66 points from 46 games, on a recent run of two wins and three losses. The U's last result was a 4-1 thrashing of Cheltenham on 2 May 2026, a game that briefly lifted spirits before the slide began.
A lasting impact on English football
The EFL paid tribute to Heard's lifelong commitment, calling him a figure who "will be sorely missed by all who knew him and by the many across football who benefited from his dedication and service." His work helped shape the modern EFL and left an indelible mark on the wider game.
Colchester United now face the challenge of honouring Heard's memory while pushing for a return to higher flights. With 21 points separating them from Bromley at the top, the U's have work to do - but Heard's spirit will guide them forward.
League standing: 12th in England League Two, 66 pts, 18W-12D-16L from 46 games, recent form WLLWW.
