COLCHESTER United legend Karl Duguid has revealed he turned down other coaching offers to return to Stanway Rovers.

And the former U's favourite says he is excited to return to the Hawthorns with the aim of taking the Essex Senior League club to the next level.

Duguid, who made more than 450 appearances for Colchester during two spells at the club, returned to Stanway earlier this summer.

The double U's promotion winner, who had previously worked as manager and assistant manager at Stanway, will work alongside Michael Pulford and Danny Slatter.

Duguid says he turned down assistant manager roles at Braintree Town and Heybridge Swifts to take the Stanway role - and is looking forward to the challenge.

Duguid, who left his role as Coggeshall Town joint manager in May, said: "I've had some fantastic offers and some really good opportunities.

"Stanway is a bit more of a project - there's a lot going on at the football club.

"They've got plans in the next few years to progress and it's all geared up to push on.

"I'm happy to be part of the project - I know it's a cliche but that's exactly what it is!

"It's a good club, a good catchment area, the youth system is fantastic - it's probably second to none around this area.

Gazette:

"We've got some good youngsters coming through and that's how we want to do it.

"They have an academy that runs alongside the Sigma Trust and it's a project I'm excited about.

"There's a long-term plan at Stanway and that's what made me make this decision.

"I've worked with Pully (Michael Pulford) and Slatts (Danny Slatter) before and it's worked well.

"It doesn't mean it's going to work well again! But it's something that has been tried before and has worked.

"The guys behind the scenes, too - the chairman, Andy Partner - everyone wants the same end result and we're going in the same direction.

"We've all got our opinions but the main aim is to get the football club in a very good place, in the next three to five years.

"They're honest people and I enjoy working with them."

Stanway will host Ilford on the opening day of the new Essex Senior League season, on July 30.

Rovers will visit Spartan South Midlands Football League division one side Shefford Town & Campton in the FA Cup extra preliminary round, on August 6. ⁠

The winner will travel to either Southend Manor or Cockfosters in the next round.

Stanway will visit Takeley in the FA Vase first qualifying round on August 27 with the winner travelling to either Woodford Town or Havenhill Borough in the next round.