EXETER City forward Marcus Stewart is extending his playing career for one more year.

The former Ipswich Town veteran had been intending to hang up his boots at the end of the Grecians' 2008/09 promotion winning season.

But having been 'reinvigorated' by manager Paul Tisdale, Stewart decided to play on last term, featuring in 38 games as City survived relegation from Coca-Cola League One.

Now the 37-year-old is looking to combine his coaching role at St James's Park with yet another campaign on the pitch — the 20th of his career.

And while he is making no assumptions on how often he will feature, he insists he will be ready to play anytime boss Paul Tisdale calls on him.

"Paul wants me to carry on as a player so it's an easy decision for me. I said I'm willing to stay on and play," said Stewart. "But next season is my last as a player, most definitely, 100 per cent.

"I was prepared to give up at the start of the season we got promoted to League One. Paul's reinvigorated me and got me enjoying football again as a player.

"I played 38 games last year but I don't think I'll be playing that again next year — my body can't take it.

"It's playing games Saturday, Tuesday that gets you because you haven't got that time for recovery.

"I don't really have an aim of how many games I want to play. It'll be a case of when Paul needs me, that kind of thing. You can never go into a season thinking I'll play this or that number of games, because it doesn't work like that.

"I didn't expect to play 38 games last season and I did. That surprised me more than anyone I think. As long as my body can take it then I'm happy to play.

"Will I play as much next year? I doubt it, but if that's what it comes to then that's what I'll do. I am still a player, I am signed on as a player, so that's what I'll be there to do."

Stewart has started 71 times for City since signing from Yeovil Town in July 2008, helping the side to League Two promotion in his first year and League One survival last season.

In that time he has become more heavily involved off the pitch, lending his vast experience to the coaching set-up alongside Tisdale, Andy Tillson and Rob Edwards.

And he thinks a reduction in playing time next term will help him work towards his eventual ambition of one day becoming a manager.

Stewart said: "It will be similar to last year, Paul's obviously the manager, Tilly's the development coach, and we all kind of muck in really.

"Obviously this year if I'm not playing as much it gives me an opportunity to work on the sidelines a lot more.

"I found it, not hard, but last year I was trying to get a balance between coaching and preparing for games as a player.

"If I'm not doing that as much it gives me the chance to focus on work off the pitch. I love working with the other lads and helping out in any way I can.

"I'm learning off a very good coach. I've been through an education as one of the players and now I'm going through an education as a coach."