Former Ipswich Town and Colchester United star Micky Stockwell is one of the hundreds of professional players looking for a new job this summer.

Former Ipswich Town and Colchester United star Micky Stockwell is one of the hundreds of professional players looking for a new job this summer, writes David Vincent.

Stockwell, who wore the captain's armband when he played for the U's in their final game of the season against Queens Park Rangers on May 3, is looking to start a new career in coaching.

And he has already applied for one vacancy, though he is not saying where.

He said: “I am looking to get into coaching now and hope to get something sorted out in the summer.

“I am talking to people and seeing what is about.

“At the moment it is a pretty quiet time. I expect things to start livening up a bit in July.

“I am clicking my heels a bit and hoping to get going soon.

“I am playing a bit of cricket and spending time with my family.

“You have got to be patient I know.

“I have had my UEFA A coaching certificate for quite a while and I am hoping to step into a coaching position. I have always enjoyed it and I see it as a natural progression.

“So I am hoping something will come up.

“When I was at Ipswich I helped coach at the development centres and the academy which I continued until I got involved with coaching at Colchester.”

Stockwell, from Maldon, made 758 appearances in a long and successful career.

After leaving Portman Road he then defied the years with his performances for Colchester after he joined them on a free transfer in the summer of 2000.

Stockwell, who helped Geraint Williams with first-team coaching after the departure of Steve Whitton last season, played in midfield, defence and even up front for Ipswich Town over more than a decade after he made his debut in 1985.

And at Colchester, stepping down to the Second Division, he returned to the role of goalscoring midfielder.

The energy of his performances, for a player in his 30s, put some younger players to shame but he decided to quit at the age of 38.

He played 140 consecutive games for Colchester until a back injury forced him to break the sequence in March this year.

“I am not looking to play full-time any more. Obviously if someone wanted me to play a bit I would have to consider it if it was required for a job.

“I have a bit of a name and reputation in the game which might help.”