FORMER Colchester United youth coach Geoff Harrop – the man who unearthed U’s icon Lomana Tresor Lua Lua – is returning to his roots when Torquay United head to Brightlingsea Regent on Saturday.

The sides are set to meet in a mouth-watering FA Cup third qualifying round tie and Harrop, now Gulls chief executive, is anticipating a tough, tense contest at the Taydal Stadium.

He says it will be a big occasion for both clubs but also on a personal level, as his "heart lies" in north Essex.

Former U’s youth-teamer Harrop went on to become the club’s assistant director of youth football and is credited for first spotting Lua Lua, when he was playing for Leyton College against Colchester Sixth Form College.

The speedy winger signed as a trainee and, after less than two years as a professional, plundering 21 goals in 68 appearances, he was the subject of a dream £2.25 million move to Newcastle United.

“It’s going to be great coming home to Colchester and north Essex,” said Harrop, whose son, Angelo, recently had a spell as head coach at Regent after previously enjoying success as Stanway Rovers manager.

“I’m looking forward to meeting up with friends and I’m very much looking forward to the game at Brightlingsea.

“I miss Colchester.

“That’s where my heart lies and I’m a true U’s fan.

“I have total respect for the people at the club and still have a lot of friends there.

“My two boys still live in the town and I visit as much as I can.”

Harrop, 58, has been in his current role as Torquay chief executive for 18 months.

The former Football League club now ply their trade in National League South and would represent a huge scalp for Tom Rothery’s Regent.

“I avidly follow the progress of all the non-league sides in this part of the world and would never forget my roots,” added Harrop.

“Brightlingsea have done absolutely incredibly.

“It’s a tight little ground and their supporters will be out in force to get behind the team on Saturday.

“It’s a fantastic draw for them and it certainly won’t be easy for us.

“(Manager) Gary (Johnson) will know that – he’s so experienced – and it’ll be a tight game, without doubt.

“Brightlingsea have moved up the leagues and done so well.

“I’ve got nothing but admiration and respect for the people behind the scenes, who may not always get the credit they deserve but work so hard to move the club forward.”

Harrop, who previously had a spell as caretaker manager at Torquay, says the Gulls have been through an “awful time” since dropping out for the Football League.

However, he says everyone at the club is united in their mission to re-climb the football ladder.

“It’s important we all know our roles at the club, to get it back where it belongs,” he said.

“We’re working tirelessly hard to support Gary and his team, to get them back in the National League and then into the EFL.

“Everything is in place here, we have exciting plans to move into a new stadium and the supporters are absolutely fantastic – top drawer.

“They get right behind the team and with a good turnout of locals, there should be a great atmosphere.

“People fall in love with Torquay United but there’s no denying it’s been a tough 18 months.

“The club have been through an awful time, both on and off the pitch, but we’re determined to turn things round.”