The former Colchester United player was a no-nonsense defender, a tough cookie and certainly no shrinking violet. Even he, though, admits being "wiped out" by coronavirus - a real eye-opener that left him facing dark days over the festive period. Mr Coleman, a teacher and Colchester Borough councillor for Mile End, lost his sense of taste on December 21. He arranged a test at Essex University and then received the news he was positive on Christmas Day. A present of the most unwanted kind. In the days since, he has suffered a constant, severe headache, breathlessness and problems with his legs and stomach.