CHARLIE Daniels has revealed his desire to embark on a coaching career was the main reason behind his departure from Colchester United.
The experienced defender left the U's by mutual consent in January, bringing an early end to his one-year deal at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Daniels played a total of 19 times for Colchester after signing for them as a free agent, last summer.
He made his 500th career appearance in their 2-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers, on January 11.
The former Spurs and AFC Bournemouth left-back has revealed he made his decision to leave the U's and pursue a coaching career after Hayden Mullins was relieved of his duties, as head coach.
Speaking to the Late Kick Off, a podcast where current and former footballers talk about their careers in the game, Daniels said: "As it went on, for me it was the need to coach.
"I'd already started coaching at Watford and there was a chance of becoming a part-time coach there.
"And when Hayden (Mullins) left, I made my decision.
"For me, the coaching side has taken over in me, rather than playing so I decided to end the contract and say bye.
"The more I do it, the more I feel I want to become a manager.
"I feel I'm ready, if something does come up.
"I'm ready to step in and I've been thinking about it for a long time.
"Eddie (Howe) always said to me 'you'll become a manager one day' even when I was 28, 29.
"I've always had an enthusiasm for being a coach, a manager - the tactics side of it, how you prepare.
"While we were doing drills, I was always badgering the sports scientist 'why are we doing this, why are we doing this?'
"I've started a job at Watford with the under-18s and I'm really enjoying it.
"I'm doing that part-time at the minute but I'm looking to get a full-time role at Watford hopefully but if not, somewhere else."
Daniels made his Colchester debut in their 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town, last August.
The defender started 16 of the 18 league games he appeared in, during his time with the U's.
"I really enjoyed it there," said Daniels, who played 265 times for AFC Bournemouth, with 129 of them coming in the Premier League.
"I liked Hayden, Alex Dyer and we had a good set of lads.
"It was like the Ipswich B team!
"I really enjoyed the training and playing again and living at home again was nice.
"I've not got a bad word to say about Colchester - it was really good."
To listen to Charlie Daniels talk in depth about his impressive career on the Late Kick Off podcast, click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here