Watson not ready to hang up boots

Watson scored three times in 132 appearances for the U's [Getty]

Former Colchester star Kevin Watson says he is not ready to end his career, despite being released by the club.

The 34-year-old midfielder is leaving after four years at the Essex club, making over 150 appearances.

Watson told BBC Essex: "I believe I can play for another couple of seasons, that's for sure.

"I'm definitely going to be looking for another club wherever that may be - I will play football wherever I can because I love playing."

Interview: Ex-Colchester midfielder Kevin Watson

Watson's final season with the Layer Road club was beset by injuries, which restricted him to just seven appearances for the U's.

He said: "It was a very frustrating season for me with injuries, and I've said all along that I always thought it would be very difficult for the club to offer me a new deal."

One example of his frustrating season was returning to action before he was fully fit, which he acknowledges was the wrong decision.

He admitted: "From my own desire to get back playing and get back in the team I came back too early - against medical advice - and paid the price for it.

I don't leave with anything other than fond memories Kevin Watson

"The time when I declared myself fit against Cardiff was a mistake - there was a couple of guys out and I thought I would be helping out by getting out and helping the side when we were short on bodies.

"But I was probably a week away from being 100% fine and the calf was still a bit tight."

Watson's time at the Colchester United coincided with one of the club's golden eras - promotion from League One and then a 10th place finish in their inaugural Championship season.

The former Spurs trainee added that being an integral part of their success makes leaving the club even harder.

"It's with a lot of regret that I leave and I don't leave with anything other than fond memories to be perfectly honest," he said.

"I've had a fantastic time at the club, I was involved in two seasons at the club which arguably are the best two seasons the club has ever had.

"I was very much an integral part of that side and I look back that with fond memories and nothing but that."