COLCHESTER United boss Kevin Keen has described his club’s relegation as “extremely painful” – but is “very confident” they can bounce back next season.

The U’s will play League Two football next season as a result of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Burton Albion.

It means they cannot avoid the bottom three, whatever happens in their final two matches at Barnsley and at home to Rochdale.

Keen had retained his belief that the team could pull off a miraculous escape – right up to conceding a late equaliser in last Tuesday’s must-win match at basement boys Crewe.

However, he insists he will dust himself down and make sure his side are equipped for a strong season in the bottom tier of the Football League.

“It’s extremely painful, but there are so many things that are good about Colchester United,” said the U’s boss.

“The supporters are absolutely fantastic.

“Home and away they’ve been unbelievable since I’ve been here.

“I’ve got a fantastic chairman who’s so supportive.

“He loves this club and loves trying to bring young footballers through.

“And if we can get all departments of the club working together, to make the first team better, then it’s got a really rosy future.

“For four or five years, the club hasn’t had what I’d call a winning season.

“Yes, we’ve gone down but I want to be positive and there are so many good things here.

“If everyone pulls together, it’s got a really bright future and I want the supporters to stick with it, because hopefully in two or three years’ time we can try and emulate Burton Albion (who look on course for back-to-back promotions).

“I’m very confident (when asked about the prospect of bouncing back next season).”

There was a pivotal moment in the early stages of Saturday’s game, when right-back Joe Edwards was sent off for a foul on Damien McCrory.

It left the U’s down to 10 men as early as the 17th minute.

Keen was diplomatic and refused to point the finger of blame at Cheshire referee Mark Heywood.

However, he admitted the red card had an “absolutely monumental” impact on the game.

“I have my own personal opinion and I know how I saw it, but I’m going to keep it to myself and let others make their own decisions,” said the U’s boss.

“It’s difficult, especially on a day like today, but unfair to criticise officials in public so I’m going to stick with that.

“The significance of it was absolutely monumental, though, to go down to 10 men against a good, hard-working team of professionals.

“It made it extremely difficult and credit to Burton.

“They took full advantage of being a man up and the lad who scored the hat-trick was probably, for me, one of the best players we’ve seen this season.

“But I’ve got to say that the effort of my boys was fantastic. They worked their socks off.

“I don’t normally single players out but I will on this occasion.

“I thought the goalkeeper (Elliott Parish) was magnificent, for a lad who’s out of contract in a month’s time.

“And I thought Tom Lapslie and Macauley Bonne ran and chased all afternoon, showing so much heart and desire. That bodes well for the future.

“I’d also like to mention Alex Wynter,” the Colchester manager added.

“We all saw what happened against Tottenham (the defender suffered a sickening head injury and has been sidelined ever since) but he came on and did remarkably well.”