Sheringham Not Here To Manage Col U

Teddy Sheringham yesterday quashed rumours that he has joined Colchester United, his seventh club, with a view to becoming the club`s manager.

Sheringham, 41, even denied that he indented to coach in Essex after confirming to the gathered media, of which Vital Football Colchester was a part, that his role as of next season is as a regular squad member.

"I`ve emphasized the fact that I`ve come here to be a player. I`ve been asked for about the last 10 years; what`s happening next; I`m still happy being a player," he said.

There was an air of surprise yesterday when the player confirmed he would not be on the coaching staff at the club, because he had widely been expected to assume the vacant assistant manager`s post.

Manager Geraint Williams, however, said he would still welcome the striker`s involvement in guiding other members of the team.

"Any time Teddy feels he wants to do something one-verses-one at the end of training, we can try and make it work. He wants to work with the lads and be a part of the squad," said the U`s boss.

In direct response to an idea that Teddy had come to the club with the long-term gaol of becoming boss, he added: "That`s not my plan one bit. I`ve been very impressed with Geraint Williams and his insight into football. I am under his wing."