David Wright, out of contract this summer, is still hoping to sign a new one-year deal with Colchester United for next season.

Wright has been offered a new package by the U’s and will sit down with manager Joe Dunne this week to hopefully thrash out a new deal.

The ex-Ipswich Town stalwart has just finished the second part of his UEFA ‘A’ licence coaching course, and is now focusing on prolonging his playing career, preferably with the League One U’s.

“I agreed with the manager that I would go away and do my ‘’A’’ licence coaching course first, before talking about contracts,” revealed Wright.

“I’ve really enjoyed my last 18 months at Colchester, and I still think that I can do a good job. I’ve especially enjoyed the role of the senior player, bringing on the younger lads.

“Over the next two or three days, I hope to get a chance to sit down and have a chat with the manager, and perhaps with the chairman (Robbie Cowling) as well.”

With regards his long-term goal of coaching, midfielder-cum-defender Wright confirmed: “I’ve just done Part Two of my ‘A’ licence, at St George’s Park, having met up with Karl Duguid (U’s coach), who was doing Part One.

“I did Part One last year. Part Two is less intense, getting through all the documents. Coaching is something I want to do more of in the future.

“I’ve been lucky to get the chance to coach the under-15s at Ipswich Town, with John Cooper. Ipswich have been brilliant to provide me with this opportunity to coach.

“But for the mean-time, I’d like to think that I have a year or two left in me as a player.”

The experienced Wright, and keeper Mark Cousins, are the two Colchester players still weighing up their options, ahead of next season. Manager Dunne would ideally like to keep Wright, whose 18-month deal expired this summer, although that might require some financial juggling over the coming weeks.

The U’s boss also confirmed that the Essex club want to exercise their option of keeping Cousins, whose own current deal has come to an end.

Wright is seen as a big asset for the U’s, not least the 34-year-old’s ability to help nurture the younger players in the squad. He made 37 senior appearances last season, most of them as a defensive midfelder.

“David and I are set for more talks soon,” said Dunne.

“I want to keep David, and that has not changed. Let’s move into the summer and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Cousins’ immediate future is also as yet undecided.

The back-up keeper never even made a first team appearance last term, due to the consistent form of Sam Walker between the sticks. However, the 27-year-old has been with the club for the last 10 years, since graduating from the youth team, and has made 70 first team appearances.

“I have spoken to Mark, and it’s fine,” explained Dunne. “We have the option to keep him, and discussions are ongoing. Mark is our player, and we will have to see what he decides.”

Dunne’s main priority, in the transfer market, lies at full-back. The Irishman really needs a new right-back and left-back, following skipper Brian Wilson’s departure at the end of last season, and left-back Ryan Dickson’s decision to reject a new deal and sign for Crawley Town.

“Ryan was offered a good deal by Crawley, a two-year deal, and we wish him well,” said Dunne.

“I can’t see much happening in June, with regards new players, perhaps until pre-seasons are under-away and players know where they stand with their clubs.

“Loan deals are a possibility, although I’m really looking towards not only next season but also rolling over into the following one as well.

“A lot of players’ names have already been thrown my way, but we might be looking at the end of June and into July before any moves are made. I’m comfortable with that.”

n Here is a list of the U’s pre-season friendlies:

Sat, July 12: Brantham Athletic (away, 3pm). Tues, July 15: Heybridge Swifts (away, 7.45pm). Sat, July 19: Leiston (away, 3pm). Wed, July 23: Ipswich Town (home, 7.30pm)

Fri, July 25: Dover Athletic (away, 7.45pm). Sat, July 26: Dagenham & Redbridge (away, 3pm). Tues, July 29: Luton Town (away, 7.45pm). Wed, July 30: Charlton (home, 7.30pm).