WORCESTER-born midfielder Danny Jackman insists he has no plans to hang up his boots despite being eager to progress his coaching career.

Jackman ended his three-year stay at Worcester City this summer to join Redditch United where he will work as part of manager Darren Byfield’s backroom staff.

The 34-year-old struggled with a back injury last term and has made no secret of his desire to become a manager when he retires.

However, Jackman admits he wants to play his part on the pitch for Redditch this season as they gear up ahead of the Southern League Premier Division campaign.

“I want to try to play as long as I can,” said Jackman who was caretaker assistant boss at Worcester last season.

“But if the right opportunity comes along to go into coaching or management that’s something I am going to have to have a really good think about.

“It was something I enjoyed doing last season along with Snapper (John Snape).

“I have spoken to a lot of close friends of mine and they have said ‘You are a long-time retired’ which is very true.

“I will try to play as much as I can (this season) and help out Darren in any way I can.”

Jackman also revealed Redditch were not the only club interested in securing his signature following City’s slide down the non-league pyramid.

“I had a couple of offers,” he said.

“There were things that weren’t quite right and it was more about the playing side.

“There were some really nice people with one or two from clubs in the same league as Worcester were in so it was down to the logistics of it and the travelling time.

“It wasn’t quite right but I know Darren well and was impressed with what their chairman had to say about the whole situation.”

After coming through Aston Villa’s youth ranks Jackman went on to make more than 300 appearances in the Football League, playing for Stockport County, Gillingham and Northampton Town.

The ex-Kidderminster Harriers ace, who joined City in 2014, said he was now keen to pass on his own experiences to Redditch’s young talent.

“I am really excited and want to help the youngsters out as we have got a good bunch of players who are hungry to do well,” Jackman added.

“I have had a couple of training sessions with them already and their technical ability is there for all to see so it is just about improving little bits and pieces like their consistency.

“I was impressed with this team last season when we (City) played them in pre-season and knowing Darren really well like I do it was an exciting opportunity for me.”