'I just love football... this is a way of staying in the game' - says Worksop Town assistant James Kay

Kay has gone from being a youngster at Sheffield Wednesday, to playing at non-league level for a number of years before going into coaching.

Kay, who has featured twice this season for Worksop, was brought in as an assistant manager by Kyle Jordan in late September, in order to give a neutral opinion on the squad.

Kay stated: “I am really enjoying my time at the minute with Worksop Town.

“Results have been inconsistent, but I have seen enough good things in games to see we're not far off being a successful team.

“It’s just a league of fine margins. We do have a thin squad in terms of numbers, but the lads give it their all and that’s all we can ask.

“I do miss playing, I can’t deny that. I think if you asked anyone that question, they would be lying if they said they didn’t miss it.

“However, I am more than happy still being involved; on the training pitch, in the warm-ups and I am still there should I be needed to pull the boots back on. I am due to complete my Level 3 coaching award this year, so I hopefully have a lot to look forward to on the other side of the white line.

“Gazza [Andrew Gascoigne] mentioned to me that Kyle was on the lookout for an assistant, someone who would concentrate more on coaching than playing. This is something I really enjoy and when Kyle gave me a ring to talk through the opportunity, where the club wants to be, it was something I couldn’t turn down.

“Sometimes it can be tough on the sidelines, but it’s something I have done before and something I want to do. I just love football, and this is one way for me to stay in the game for as long as possible.”

Kay also spoke about the changes he had to make when leaving the professional game for non-league football.

“It’s a lot harder than people think,” said Kay. “Especially 10 years ago when we didn’t have the snowflake culture of the modern game.

“I was a young lad and had to learn the non-league way of football and I almost forgot my apprenticeship and professional years. Keeping yourself in shape and looking after yourself away from non-league football was and is vital.”