Assistant Southend United boss Mick Gooding has decided to hang up his boots after more than 20 years as a professional footballer, he revealed today.

The midfielder, who started 22 league and cup games for Blues this season, has finally brought down the curtain on a long and distinguished career, which has included spells with Rotherham, Chesterfield, Peterborough, Wolves and Reading.

"I've enjoyed playing this season, but I'm still having trouble with my right knee, which is my body's way of telling me it's time to call it a day," said 40-year-old Gooding.

"But I've got no complaints as I've had a good innings on the playing field. I'll just have to concentrate my efforts into helping the lads on the training pitch now."

In two decades Gooding has clocked up more than 800 league and cup appearances, and scored more than 100 goals. But now he will turn all his attention to his coaching role with Blues.

"Before coming to Roots Hall I had missed a whole season through injury and I only signed a one-year playing contract with Southend as emergency cover in midfield," explained Gooding.

"I certainly never expected to play as many games as I have this year, but I've now got to get on with my coaching duties and help our new manager Alan Little to push this club forward and out of the Third Division."

However, Gooding, who still has a year to run on his current coaching deal, is still hoping to take part in Blues' reinstated reserve side next term.

"I'll miss being part of the first team because I've still got the enthusiasm to want to play in every game," he said.

"But I'll be hoping to play a key-role in our reserves next year by using my experience to help bring through the crop of talented youngsters we've got at Roots Hall."

Looking back at his career Gooding picked out his championship winning successes with Reading, Rotherham and Wolves in the Second and Third Divisions as his most memorable achievements.

However, he does have one major regret - losing out to Bolton Wanderers and a place in the Premiership during the 1995 Wembley play-off final.

"Losing to Bolton during my time at Reading is without doubt the biggest disappointment of my career," admitted Good-ing.

"It was a great experience to play at Wembley, but after leading 2-0 for most of the game we collapsed and eventually lost 4-3 after extra-time.

"All my career has been spent playing in the bottom three divisions and a win against Bolton would have given me a first taste of top-flight football - but it just wasn't to be."

Retiring - Mick Gooding is ending his first-team playing career after more than 20 years

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