IPSWICH TOWN: Steve Foley, who left his position as Blues coach on Sunday, is hoping to get back into football shortly.

And the 56-year-old could interest one of his former clubs, Colchester United, with U’s manager Aidy Boothroyd recently confirming that he is considering expanding his coaching team.

Foley has only worked with four clubs in a 40-year career that began when he signed for Colchester aged 16.

“I was actually on their books as a 14-year-old,” said Lawford-based Foley, who was told by Town manager Roy Keane that he would not be renewing his contract.

“I have a couple of irons in the fire and I’m looking to stay in football.

“It’s sad to have left Ipswich, but like a boxer who has hit the floor you have got to get up on your feet again.

“I have bags of experience and feel I still have plenty to offer.”

After his playing days were over, Foley went on to coach at Layer Road and act as caretaker manager a couple of times.

He then had a spell as a coach at Watford before joining Norwich City where he helped them win promotion to the Premier League when Nigel Worthington was manager.

Foley left Carrow Road in the summer of 2006 and was recruited by Jim Magilton and worked as technical skills manager and was third in the Town coaching team behind the manager and Bryan Klug.

Last season he lost his role with the first team and looked after the reserves for the final few months of his time at Portman Road.

A move to Colchester would suit Foley, who makes himself available to coach non-league clubs whenever possible.

He has lived in the Manningtree area all his life and would prefer to remain based where he is.

With Coventry City parting company with manager Chris Coleman the Sky Blues’ interest in signing Town on-loan striker Jon Stead could diminish after they were expected to take the frontman to the Ricoh Arena on a permanent basis this summer.

As well as clocking up a record 20 league draws in 2009/10, Ipswich Town also handed debuts to 19 players – the highest number since the club’s first year in league football in 1938.

n Ipswich Town’s 15th position in the Championship this season is their worst finish for more than half a century.

It was back in 1958/59 when the Blues came 16th in the old Second Division under the management of Alf Ramsey.

They also finished 15th in the second tier of English football in 1965/66 under Bill McGarry and 2005/06 under Joe Royle.

They came 14th under John Lyall in 1990/01 and 2006/07 under Jim Magilton.

Ironically, three of those managers – Ramsey, McGarry and Lyall – took Ipswich into the top flight shortly afterwards!