Watto ‘Not Ready’ to Retire

Released Colchester United midfielder Kevin Watson has revealed to local newspaper The Colchester Gazette that he is not ready to retire from football just yet.

Watson, who was released along with Luke Guttridge, Tom Webb and Tom Devaux, is determined to keep playing for as long as possible. The 34-year-old has been blighted with injuries, restricting him to just seven league starts this season.

He said: ‘It’s very disappointing but I’m not ready to pack the game in just yet.

‘It’s another challenge for me but it’s one that I’m looking forward to.

‘Some people have written me off but I won’t stop playing.

‘I’ve ended the season fit and it’s one season out of 17 that I’ve had these problems – it’s not like I’ve been injury-prone.

‘Coaching and managing is something I want to do but until the day I go out and embarrass myself, I won’t stop playing.’

The former Reading man, who has already received interest from League One and League Two clubs, understands Geraint Williams’ decision to let him go.

‘I had three-quarters prepared myself for the news,’ Watson added.

‘There was always something in the back of my mind that said my three previous seasons might have helped me when the decision was made.

‘But I can see where the manager and the club are coming from – I would have found it difficult to give me a contract too.

‘It’s very rare that a club offers you a contract when you’ve started only a few games in the season and you’re 34.’

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur player is set to end a four year association with the U’s, he continued: ‘The gaffer was clearly upset when he told me his decision and so was I but I have nothing but good words to say about him.

‘He said he had missed me being fit this season just as much as he has missed the players who left in the summer.’