Kevin Watson says he would love to return to Colchester United in the future – in any coaching capacity they feel is suitable.

The U’s promotion winner has been linked with the club’s vacant managerial position, following Kevin Keen’s departure earlier this week.

Watson knows League Two well, having worked alongside his former Colchester team-mate Teddy Sheringham in charge at Stevenage earlier this season.

The 42-year-old last year had a brief stint in charge of Maldon and Tiptree as part of the U’s link-up with the non-league club and admits he would relish the chance to return.

Watson told the Daily Gazette: “I’m very happy to offer my services in any capacity, in whatever role.

“I’m not necessarily throwing my hat into the ring to be the next Colchester United manager or anything like that.

“But of course I’m always open to any kind of offer from the club to help it move forward.

“If the chairman sees a role for me at the club, then I’d love to take it.

“I’ve seen the chairman on several occasions and he’s known my thoughts all the way along.

“He knows where I am and he knows that I’m available.

“One of the things I can bring that I think will benefit the club is that I was in League Two this season for six or seven months with Teddy at Stevenage and know the players in that division.

“I’ve been there and I know what it’s all about and I also know some of the players who might be out of contract.

“The chairman knows my feelings and I’d love to be back at the club and help them come back to where I feel they should be, which is certainly not in League Two.

“I’ve got to know Kevin (Keen) over the last few months – he’s a good guy and works very hard but I don’t know what’s happened and why he has left.

“Only Kevin Keen and Robbie Cowling will know that but it’s a shame he’s gone.”

Watson was at Colchester’s game against Burton Albion last weekend, where the U’s relegation to League Two was confirmed.

“Joe Edwards was really unlucky to be sent off – it was very harsh,” added Watson, who made more than 150 appearances for the U’s during his four-year spell at Layer Road.

“Burton are flying and are on a high and it was the leg-up into the game that they needed.”