Steve Foley has reflected on his lifelong connection to Colchester United, a bond that began when he arrived at Layer Road as a 14-year-old apprentice. The club legend, now president of the Colchester United Former Players' Association, credits his early years for shaping his entire football career and personal values.
Foley progressed through the schoolboy and junior ranks before making nearly 300 appearances for the U's in a variety of positions, often as captain. He helped the club secure promotions in the 1970s, serving in roles from player to youth-team manager, assistant manager and caretaker manager on multiple occasions. His journey from sweeping the terraces to the Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2019, shows a deep-rooted commitment to the club.
Foley credits his time at Layer Road for forming the coaching philosophy that later brought success at other clubs. He worked with future stars like John Barnes and played a significant role in developing talents such as Darren Huckerby and Craig Bellamy, with Bellamy later acknowledging his influence.
"Every manager I played under at Colchester shaped my ideas on coaching, good or bad. I've mixed it," Foley said. He also spent many years at Ipswich Town, working within the academy and as a specialist skills coach, where he coached former Real Madrid midfielder Ivan Campo. Despite his achievements elsewhere, his allegiance remains clear. "I've been to Norwich, won promotion and been named coach of the year, but Colchester's my team," he stated.
Foley speaks fondly of mentors like the calm Bobby Roberts, whom he calls the best coach he worked under, and the demanding Dick Graham. He recalls a formative moment as an apprentice when Graham caught him cutting short a cross-country run. "He went absolutely mad and replied, 'You do your best every f*****g time'. He said, 'You never walk'," Foley remembered, noting the lesson in relentless effort.
Foley's ongoing involvement keeps his legacy alive. He continues to volunteer, coaching young players at Ipswich Town on Wednesday evenings while presiding over the Colchester United Former Players' Association.
This story first appeared at Unknown
