I had to leave U's says departing soccer star (From Essex County Standard)

I had to leave U's says departing soccer star

1:49pm Friday 10th July 2009

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DEPARTING U’s star Chris Coyne said securing regular first team football was behind his decision to quit the club.

The 30-year-old has left Colchester United by mutual consent and will now return to his native Australia.

Brisbane-born Coyne, who joined the U’s from Luton Town in January 2008 for a previous club record fee of £350,000, is anxious to be playing regularly, ahead of the World Cup in South Africa next year.

He felt his chances would have been limited for Colchester last season and wants to play every week in front of Socceroos boss, Pim Verbeek.

He told the Gazette: “These things happen in football and they happen for a reason.

“The manager (Paul Lambert) made it clear that he would be bringing in a new centre-half and I’m not the sort of player who is prepared to sit in the stands and take my money every week.

“It’s important that I’m playing week in, week out.

“I want to be in the A-League where the manager can see me play every week.

“It’s hard to be packing up and travelling to Australia on a regular basis with three kids.

“It’s a new challenge for me – I’ve never played in Australia and I went to play in Europe when I was a teenager.

“I wish Colchester all the best.

“They have a good squad there and the manager is working hard to bring them success.”

Coyne has established himself as a regular in the Socceroos squad over the past 12 months.

But his international commitments often interrupted his time with the U’s last season.

However, the tough-tackling centre-half believes playing for Australia has enhanced his game.

Coyne added: “I’ve enjoyed playing international football so far and every time I’ve been asked to step up, I feel I’ve done a good job.

“I’ve benefited massively from it.

“There are some big, big players who play for the Australia team and I’ve been picking up little things from them.”

Meanwhile, long-serving defender Pat Baldwin has signed a new contract with the U’s.

Baldwin, who joined Colchester from Chelsea in August, 2002, will be granted a testimonial when his new deal expires in 2012.

l Colchester play their opening pre-season friendly tomorrow.

The U’s take on Essex Senior League side Tiptree United at Chapel Road, kick-off 3pm.

Boss Lambert is set to give each player in his squad at least 45 minutes against the Jam-makers, before they fly out to Germany on Sunday for a week of pre-season training.

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