ADAM Barrett wants to concentrate on playing for Southend United next season but insists he would be open to a coaching role.

The popular Shrimpers centre-back had been linked with a backroom role at Roots Hall by manager Phil Brown ahead of their meeting earlier this week.

However, the defender insists he still has more to offer on the pitch.

“Coaching is where I do see my future but I want to carry on playing because I’ve got the fire back in my belly and I do really feel as though I have more to offer,” said Barrett.

“The manager drove up to Burton, where I was on a coaching course, to have a chat with me and that was great of him to do.

“We had a really good conversation and he was asking me my thoughts on one or two things.

“No actual coaching role was mentioned but we did talk about that side of the game and it’s certainly something I’m open to.

“But everyone knows what playing for Southend means to me and I don’t want that to come to an end.”

Barrett is still waiting to officially be offered a new deal.

However, the 35-year-old, who is now in his second spell with the Shrimpers, hopes to be part of the squad in League One next season.

“I played 45 games in League One for Gillingham the year before last so that won’t be a problem for me and it would be great to play there again for Southend,” said the centre-back.

“It’s a tough league with some big clubs and big budgets but it’s great that the manager wants me to still be a part of things here.

“I’ve had offers from elsewhere as well which is also nice for the confidence because it shows you must be doing something right.

“But staying at Southend is what I want most and hopefully that can be sorted out.”