Darlington's former Colchester United Wembley play-off hero Simon Betts is ready to quit English football for a new life in America.

The Quakers utility-man told the Evening Gazette today he will pack his bags for a coaching role in Los Angeles if he fails to get fixed up with a new League club.

One of 589 players dumped by their clubs this summer, midfielder-cum-defender Betts also revealed that he has alerted the U's to his availablity and has had talks with Third Division Southend United.

The 30-year-old former Ipswich Town trainee said: "I have sent my CV to Colchester manager Phil Parkinson and have actually spoken with his assistant Geraint Williams.

"But my old Colchester boss Steve Wignall has already said there is nothing for me at Southend."

Betts, who made around 250 League and cup appearances for the U's between December 1992 and May 1999, has fallen out of favour at Darlington after two seasons at Feethams.

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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