Andy Whing is contemplating hanging up his boots this summer, but the popular midfielder is in talks about staying at Oxford United in another role.

The 30-year-old has been hampered by groin injuries for three seasons and is out of contract this summer.

He did get to end the campaign in typically robust fashion, leading by example as stand-in captain at centre half in a 1-0 win at Newport County.

Afterwards he revealed it might have been his final game, although the final decision will not be rushed.

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He said: “I don’t want it to end, but there comes a stage where you have to make a big decision.

“That might not be now, but more than likely it probably will be.

“It’s definitely not going to be a snap decision – it’s been in my head for a couple of months.

“Being on the bench has been frustrating, but fortunately enough playing the last couple of games has been brilliant and I can go away happy.”

While there is doubt over Whing’s playing career, there is a determination at United to keep him at the club.

U’s boss Michael Appleton, who was forced into early retirement through injury, has held talks with the former Coventry City trainee about staying.

He said: “We want to keep him at the football club and we have to find a way of doing that.

“We’ve got a great respect between each other – let’s see what happens.”

Whing is signed up to start a UEFA B Licence course this summer and the prospect of coaching does appeal.

He said: “I love football and you try your best to stay in the game.

“If I’ve got an opportunity to get my foot in the door, especially to stay here because I really do think it’s exciting times and the club is moving forward, then I’d love to help in any way.”

He added: “It is a big decision and luckily enough the club have been absolutely fantastic.

“I’ll have a chat with them in the next couple of weeks to see what they want me to do in the future.”