CHRIS Tracey is already targeting a return to management in the future.

Tracey, who resigned as manager of AFC Sudbury last week, said he is keen to have another crack at management once his work commitments allow.

The 43-year-old, who quit his post at the Ryman League Division One North club due to his work, was a surprise inclusion in the Cornard United side on Saturday.

He played 70 minutes in the 2-1 defeat – their 29th of the season in 29 games – at home to Debenham LC in Division One of the Thurlow Nunn League, after he was approached by Paul Grainger, who is joint manager of Cornard with Chris Symes.

Tracey said: “I have known Paul since I was a young lad. He was involved with Lawford Lads Youth and I started playing for them.

“I have also known Chris for a long time – he was my manager at Chelmsford City when I went there at 16

“Paul texted me asking what had happened at Sudbury and I went over there and trained with them on Thursday.”

Tracey, who has played a few games for Breadmen in Division Two of the Sudbury & District Sunday League this season, said: “Paul said Cornard had lost every game this season and were leaking goals and would I help them out.

“He said they just wanted someone on the pitch to organise the lads and give them some direction.

“They lost again, but hopefully I benefited the young lads in the team with my experience. Jamie Gregory, who played alongside me at centre half, had to do a lot of my running for me!”

Tracey said it was too early to say whether it was a one-off appearance at that level, or whether he may play more regularly.

“I have been asked to be involved (at home to Brightlingsea Regent) on Tuesday, but I don’t know whether I will play again – I have a few aching bones and joints!

“I want to enjoy my football again – I didn’t enjoy it on Saturday because it is a real slog when you are not fit.

“Cornard have been going through a rough time, but you like to help your mates out in football, and I have found out who my true friends are in the last 18 months,” he added.

Tracey, who next month is to undergo a second operation on his left knee which he has been putting off for a year, said he was keen to return to management in the future.

He reflected: “My job has been difficult. I have been in my current job for six months, and it is completely different to what I had been doing before and it limited the time I could put into Sudbury.

“I was just not able to devote the time to Sudbury this season that I had done last season.

“Things may have settled down in another three months, and I would like to get back into management again in the future.

“I don’t intend to be out of football for too long, if I can help it.”