The launch of the Sky Academy this week, which aims to inspire the next generation, got me thinking about how I got into football.
Future
This is my final season as a player, so I've been thinking a lot about my future, too.
Since Keith Millen has taken over as caretaker manager at Crystal Palace I've been helping out with some coaching sessions.
It's something I enjoy doing and an area where I think I can help but, to be honest, I'd rather explore management after I've retired.
Of course, unless you get lucky and an opportunity comes up such as the one Keith's got at the moment, you are going to have to work your way up from a lower level as a manager.
James Beattie, for instance, is a good example.
He's up for the League Two Manager of the Month award after overcoming a tough start in charge of Accrington Stanley, but that seems to me like a good way of learning your trade as a manager.
However, after 20 years in the game, my body needs a bit of a rest so I'll be taking a little break after I hang up my boots and throw myself into some media work, instead.
I was at the Cardiff-Swansea derby for Sky Sports last weekend and it's something I really enjoy doing - and something I look forward to doing more of in the future.
