Living the American dream

8:15am Thursday 8th May 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

AIDAN Davison will live the American dream after bringing the curtain down on his playing career.

The popular Colchester United goalkeeper has hung up his gloves, after two decades as a professional.

And next week he and his family will relocate to Florida, where Davison will pursue a coaching role in the Major Soccer League.

The former Northern Ireland keeper - who turns 40 on Sunday - spent four years with the U's.

He made more than 100 league and cup appearances in their colours. However, his final season as a player was cut short by a shoulder injury sustained in Colchester's 1-0 defeat at Coventry City in October.

It proved to be his last appearance as a player, leading to his decision to retire from playing.

He told the Gazette: "I'd never have imagined that the Coventry game would have been my last.

"But I have so many more good memories than bad ones to take from my career. I never focus on the negatives - I don't see any point in that.

"Apart from this season, I've been lucky with injuries and it's time for a new chapter for me."

Davison made six starts for Colchester this season.

But despite an operation, his shoulder injury was serious enough to prevent him from challenging Dean Gerken for the number one shirt in the latter half of the season.

"The decision to retire was made for me really because of my injuries," he said.

"It would have been nice to have played in the US but that's not an option now.

"This would have been my last season in the UK and I was hoping to play more of a part this year.

"But I appreciate all of the support I've had from Colchester United and from the fans.

"I only initially came to Colchester for 12 months but I ended up staying for four years - and I've enjoyed every minute of it."