KEVIN Watson today insisted he has no intention of hanging up his boots - despite being released by Colchester United.

The cultured midfielder's four-year stint with the U's is over, after he was told by manager Geraint Williams that he is surplus to requirements.

Watson only managed seven starts for Colchester in the Coca-Cola Championship this season after being hampered by injuries.

However, the 34-year-old is determined to prolong his playing career for as long as possible, before contemplating a potential career in coaching.

Watson told the Gazette: "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."

Watson is disappointed to be leaving Colchester, for whom he played more than 150 times after joining them from Reading in 2004.

However, he understands boss Williams' decision to let him go.

"I had three-quarters prepared myself for the news," said Watson, who has already received interest from League One and League Two clubs.

"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 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.