Carlos Edwards is already looking to finish playing at Ipswich and would like nothing more than to stay on board to launch a career in coaching. The 34-year-old skipper was in action for Trinidad & Tobago at last month’s Gold Cup but admits he could have played his last game for his country, having won 87 caps and scored four goals.
Edwards said: "I’m the most senior, the oldest, guy in the team at the moment. If I need to I will take a back seat then maybe call it a day.
"My main focus at this present time is Ipswich Town and I am looking to strive for us to do well. This is my family now and Trinidad & Tobago is my adopted family because for 95 per cent of the time I am here.
"It is hard being away from my own family. Even when I’m getting ready to go off to training my daughter wants to know where I’m going. I tell her I need to work for her to get food!
"I have younger twins and as soon as they see me walk through the door they are all over me like a rash. That’s what I love because I’m a family guy and I want to be around my kids as much as possible.
"Sometimes I can’t be around because of my job but I hope they understand when they get older. I want to help Ipswich in any way possible and if it means I have to call it a day with Trinidad then so be it.”
Edwards has already decided he would love to turn to coaching once he does eventually hang up his boots but he hopes that day is still at least a couple of years off.
He added: "I’m 34, almost 35, now and to be fair I might have lost an inch of pace. But the body feels okay, the legs feel okay and if I don’t get too many whacks I think I can maybe carry on for another two years or so.
"Time will tell how long I can take the physical battles, the pre-seasons, things like that, but I’m doing okay at the moment. If anything the pre-season has been a bit easier because they take more precautions with the players. My ticker feels good, touch wood.
"I’m contracted until the end of the season so who knows after that? Maybe I’ll score 20-plus goals this season and Ipswich will give me an extra year. I’m happy here and I’m not looking or playing for another move.
"If I have to move, fair enough, but I’d like to see out my time here. My family are happy here and if they’re happy I’m happy. If they’re not I will have to find a new job.
"If things fall into place I am going to start my coaching badges sometime soon. Maybe Mr Evans can get me a job in the academy and I will work my way up from there.
"I have already spoken to people like the academy coaches and Mark Kennedy and they have given me a heads-up on what to expect. I want to take the first steps while I’m still playing and if that opportunity arises I will jump at it.”