Former Fulham star Sean Davis has been forced to retire from football through a knee injury - but is determined to stay in the game.
The 33-year-old joined Bolton in 2009 but sustained two serious knee injuries, which restricted him to just three appearances for the Trotters.
However, the former England Under 21 international is adamant he wants to remain in football, and far from this being the end, he feels it can be a new beginning for him.
"I've made the decision to retire from football but it's been something I've had time to think about and reflect on because of the amount of time I've been injured," he told skysports.com.
"For three years I've been out. I've tried coming back and it's not been quite right, that's something that is hard to take. I'm disappointed but I want to see what else is out there for me, I have to see it as an opportunity to do something else.
"I still want to be in the game and I believe I have a lot to offer, in what capacity, I'm not quite sure yet, but the idea of working with young players appeals to me."
Davis tried to revive his career last season with a short-term move to Bristol City in a final bid to extend his playing days.
Yet, that period only served to confirm his fears that he might have to hang up his boots.
"When I went on-loan to Bristol City, my knee was like a balloon after games," he added.
"After speaking to the experts, they've told me it will never be strong enough to withstand the intensity of games."
It's while talking about Fulham that Davis becomes most enthused. It's the club where he progressed through the ranks and one that he would later make 155 appearances for. He also holds the distinction of being amongst a select group of professionals that have played in all four divisions.
Spells at Spurs and Pompey followed but his affinity with Martin Jol's side remains as strong as ever.
"Fulham have been a big part of my life, I will be going down there to watch a few games and enjoy being a fan again," added Davis
It was under the tutelage of Jean Tigana that the Battersea-born midfielder really blossomed at Craven Cottage, and he now wants to inspire other youngsters from his area to replicate his feats.
"Someone told me recently that since I joined Fulham, no other player from Battersea has made it as a professional footballer from that area," he continued.
"There is so much talent in that area and if that is true, I would like to try and help change that. Growing up there were better players than me around, but maybe they didn't have the support and sadly fell by the wayside.
"I know exactly how to relate to these players and I believe that I could help them fulfil their potential. Working with young players definitely appeals to me and in time is something I will look at."
Sean Davis - Fulham legend:
The rise of local lad Sean was as eagerly awaited at Craven Cottage as the arrival of any of the big name signings throughout Fulham's rise to prominence.
The youngster from Clapham shined at youth level and showed the kind of vision in the middle of the park in seven first-team appearances in the 1998/1999 that had the Fulham fans purring.
When Kevin Keegan was boss, he described him as being 'as good as anyone I've seen at his age'.
Davis actually made his debut in October 1996 as a substitute in a 3-0 home win over Cambridge United. By the time the 1999/2000 season came around, David was an integral member of the first team and becoming a real crowd favourite.
He was one of the stars as Fulham cruised to the First Division title in the 2000/01 campaign. His displays earned him England Under-21 honours - he has also captained the side.
And he made the full England squad for the friendly against Australia in February 2003 but failed to make it onto the pitch.
As Fulham moved into the Premiership, Davis became the first ever player to have played in all four divisions with the same club. A remarkable achievement.
But as things turned sour towards the end of the 2002/03 season, with Jean Tigana sacked, Davis told Fulham he wanted to leave.
Everton moved in for him, with Middlesbrough also interested, and he seemed set for Goodison Park. But he was recovering from a knee injury and failed the medical just before transfer deadline day.
Davis was now marooned at Fulham, but new boss Chris Coleman welcomed him back into the fold and he returned to action in November 2003.
Such has been Coleman's impact, he persuaded Davis that his future would lie at Fulham and in December it was revealed he would sign an extended contract.
But Davis never did sign that new deal, and in July 2004 Tottenham moved him to sign him for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be £3m.
|