Claridge believes he can still do a job, on the pitch

Former Weymouth boss Steve Claridge says he will shelve any future managerial ambitions for the time being to focus on one final fling on the field.

The ex-Terras supremo, who was dismissed last month following the Nationwide South club's disappointing start to the season and humiliating early FA Cup exit, is ready to make a playing comeback at the age of 38, and believes he can carry on "at a high level" until he reaches 40.

The much-travelled striker, who also had a brief spell in charge at Portsmouth and is now a regular co-commentator and pundit on BBC Radio Five Live, told BBC Sport: "I'll return to management one day, but I'm only interested in playing at the moment. I've spoken to two Football League and three Conference clubs, and I could play for 18 months at a high level."

Claridge admitted he was disappointed with the way his time in charge at Weymouth came to an end, but that has not diminished his ambition to prove a success in the dug-out.

He said: "I left by mutual consent although the decision was instigated by the club and I don't know why they wanted it to happen. n my last seven games in charge, we picked up 13 points, which isn't a bad record and you don't go from finishing second in the league last season to being a bad manager."

He reiterated: "I will probably go back to management one day but I'm purely interested in playing now. I think I could play for another 18 months and do a good job at a good level in the Football League.

"I was never blessed with blazing pace and the attributes I've got as a player are the ones you don't lose quickly, such as intelligence and a good touch. Apart from a hip injury which I'm getting sorted out, my fitness is good, and I've already spoken to several clubs."