Southend defender Adam Barrett has said that he would be open to a coaching role at the club, but insists he is still fully focused on playing.
The 35-year-old had been rumoured to have been offered a role in Phil Brown’s backroom staff at Roots Hall, but says he still has the desire to be on the pitch.
“Coaching is where I do see my future but I want to carry on playing because I’ve got the fire back in my belly and I do really feel as though I have more to offer,” he told Echo Sport.
“The manager drove up to Burton, where I was on a coaching course, to have a chat with me and that was great of him to do.
“We had a really good conversation and he was asking me my thoughts on one or two things.
“No actual coaching role was mentioned but we did talk about that side of the game and it’s certainly something I’m open to.
“But everyone knows what playing for Southend means to me and I don’t want that to come to an end.”
Barrett, who won promotion back to League One with the Essex club last month with a play-off win against Wycombe Wanderers, has yet to be offered a new deal. However, the veteran centre half is hopeful of staying at Roots Hall.
“I’ve had offers from elsewhere as well which is also nice for the confidence because it shows you must be doing something right.
“But staying at Southend is what I want most and hopefully that can be sorted out.”