Fulham midfielder John Collins will consider hanging up his boots and moving into coaching when his Fulham contract expires in the summer.
The former Scotland midfielder, who turned 35 on Friday, has been left in the reserves by Cottagers boss Jean Tigana and has made just two first-team substitute appearances this season.
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Fulham midfielder John Collins not happy
in the reserves |
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The former Celtic, Monaco and Everton man was denied a loan move to Coventry last week and is now mulling over his future in football as he faces another three months in the reserves.
Collins' agent Raymond Sparkes revealed his client will consider four options - continuing playing, retirement, coaching and moving back to Europe.
Sparkes said "What happens in the summer depends on what offers John gets.
"He's interested in coaching in the right environment and circumstances. "He's in the process of doing his badges, which he started in Scotland last year. "If he gets the right offer, he could stay playing at Fulham or go elsewhere in the UK.
"Going back to the continent is another option - as is retiring. "John hasn't yet sat down with his wife and said 'what do we do?' But that decision day is coming."
Although Tigana does not rate Collins as a first team choice, the Scot could have a future with Fulham after all if a new manager replaces the Frenchman this summer and decides he does have something to offer.
The last game covered by Tigana's contract is just three months away and he has refused to say he wants to stay - or to even ask for talks with chairman Mohamed Al Fayed to discuss a two-year extension option.
Collins' blocked move to Highfield Road would have seen him link up with his former international team-mate Gary McAllister, now Sky Blues boss.
Coventry could not afford to pay all his wages and Fulham refused an offer to pay part of his salary.
Sparkes criticised Tigana for blocking Collins' move then not playing him when the relegation-threatened Cottagers lost 2-1 at Arsenal on Saturday.
"There was no feedback at all from either club and commonsense did not materialise," Sparkes added. "If Tigana isn't going to play him, why not let him go and play? That would have shown respect for John as he's always been a very good pro. "So we're very disappointed now and John's left in this situation. "But what can you do? He's a contracted Fulham player and will see out his contract."