MOST footballers tend to opt for a relaxing lifestyle when their professional playing career comes to an end but not former Southend United left-back Damon Searle.

He currently combines working in the commercial department at his home-town club Cardiff City with running his own academy.

Adding to that, the 43-year-old is also a player and assistant manager at Welsh Football League Division Two leaders Barry Town United.

But Searle would not have it any other way.

“It’s very hectic but football’s always been my life and I really enjoy all of the roles I have at the moment,” said the ex Shrimpers defender.

“I played for Cardiff in my career and it’s my home-town club so I’ve been made to feel very welcome and it’s great being on the other side of things.

“The soccer school is a franchise called Little Kickers and we have 120 kids coming along which is great.

“Add Barry Town United in to that then it’s football seven days a week but that’s fine by me.

“I’m usually an unused substitute these days but play if and when I’m needed.

“We’re 21 games unbeaten which is great and that’s even despite me having to play in goal for the game we had with Llwydcoed and won 4-3.”

Lining up for Barry Town United means Searle’s career has now spanned 25 years.

Three of those seasons were spent with the Shrimpers.

And Searle holds happy memories from his spell at Roots Hall which saw him make 158 appearances for the club.

“I met a lot of lovely people playing for Southend and it’s a great family orientated club,” said the Welshman.

“I moved down to the area with my wife and kids and we bought a house.

“We were very settled and I was gutted when I left if I’m honest.

“I thought I could’ve played there for another season or so but these things happen in football.

“You shake hands and move on and that very nearly included me signing for Canvey.

“I remember I was due to play for them in a pre-season game against Southend but the manager Jeff King didn’t want me to play in case they tried to sign me back!

“I also went on trial to Colchester but in the end we moved back home and I joined Forest Green Rovers where I also had three great years.”

But before that and his spell with Southend, Searle had also lined up for Carlisle United who visit Roots Hall tomorrow.

Searle made 78 appearances while with the Cumbrians, which included the most dramatic moment of his career when goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scored a stoppage time winner against Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the 1998/99 season to avoid relegation.

“I had a good time at Carlisle too but the final day of that season was the moment that sticks out for me,” said Searle.

“It was just absolute bonkers and I remember looking in to the crowd with a few minutes of the match remaining and seeing fans crying because the team was going down.

“Seconds later, our goalkeeper scores after coming up for a corner and the same people are crying tears of joy.

“It was just mad and seemed like a fairytale.”

Carlisle are again battling to beat the drop from League Two this season while the Shrimpers are fighting for promotion.

Both teams will therefore be hoping to pick up the three points when they do battle at Roots Hall.

But Searle would love to see the home team triumph.

“I really enjoyed my time with Southend and look for their result before Carlisle’s if I’m honest,” said the defender.

“I’m not just saying that because I’m talking to the Echo and I would love to see the club go up this season.

“But I obviously want Carlisle to stay up too.”