PAT Baldwin is still unsure of his footballing future.

The 27-year-old centre-back ended last season on loan with Southend United from local rivals Colchester United.

But he does not yet know where he will be when the new campaign kicks off in August.

“Who knows what could happen in football?” said Baldwin. “I’ve had no concrete offers and I have two years left on my contract at Colchester.

“I just want to play football week in, week out. “ Baldwin was captain of the U’s towards the start of last season before falling out of favour under then manager Aidy Boothroyd.

Boothroyd has now departed to take control of Coventry City and that could be a factor in Baldwin’s future.

A new manager may be willing to give the defender a chance to reclaim a place in the side.

But Baldwin has not figured for Colchester since September and was subsequently sent on loan to Bristol Rovers and then Southend.

“Both of the clubs I went to I absolutely loved and I really enjoyed,” said Baldwin.

“The mental side of it took a lot out of me and I’m using this time to keep physically fit.

“There was a lot to deal with last season but I went out to play for different clubs and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I actually think I’ve enjoyed my football more this season than I have for a long time.”

Baldwin also relished playing for two different managers who he felt helped to enhance his game.

“I really enjoyed playing under both Paul Trollope and Steve Tilson and I feel I improved as a player under both of them,” said Baldwin.

“It was good to see their different training methods and different management strategies.

“I’ve started my coaching badges this year and it was really useful to see, not just as a player but to play under different managers.

“Both sets of fans and players welcomed me, which was really pleasing.”

However, Baldwin remains saddened by Southend’s relegation into League Two.

“I was disappointed not to keep Southend up but I knew the situation before I went there,” he said.

“I understood the trouble they were in and that has an effect on the players.

“Unfortunately, there was only one way it could go which was a real shame, because it’s a fantastic club.”