Seaman in frame to coach at Chelsea

David Seaman will be back in football next season - and Chelsea are the favourites to sign him.

The former Arsenal and England goalkeeper retired from playing yesterday following a shoulder injury at his current club Manchester City.

But he has always wanted to stay in the game as a coach and it was always thought he would return to Highbury. However it has emerged that Chelsea is his most likely destination.

After he decided to carry on playing for another year with City, Arsenal appointed former Republic of Ireland international Gerry Peyton on a two-year deal as their goalkeeping coach.

There is no chance of a return to Arsenal for Seaman who rejected an offer from them of a reduced wage and a combined role of playing and coaching at the end of the season.

He still has his house in Hertfordshire and his mentor, former Arsenal goalkeeping coach Bob Wilson, believes Seaman will want to work in the capital.

"He will want to stay in football and he will want to coach," said Wilson who became a close friend of Seaman's during their time together at Arsenal. "That is a cast-iron certainty," added Wilson. "I believe he will want to work in London, certainly in the south."

At 40, and with 75 England caps, Seaman would welcome the chance to work with Carlo Cudicini who has emerged as one of the most consistent 'keepers in the Premiership just as the Italian would welcome the opportunity of advice on a daily basis from such a highly-respected player.