ASPIRING manager Danny Jackman admits he is gaining “valuable experience” in his role as assistant caretaker boss at Worcester City.

Since the departure of Carl Heeley in late January captain Jackman has stepped up to assist John Snape as managerless City try to avoid relegation from Vanarama National League North.

While Snape has ruled himself out of the running for the top job Jackman has spoken of his desire to “one day” take charge of his hometown club.

And the 34-year-old midfielder says he is “thoroughly enjoying” learning his trade in his temporary coaching position ahead of Saturday's crunch home game with Boston United (3pm).

“I am loving being part of the management side with Snapper,” said Jackman who has made 21 appearances this term.

“It is valuable experience for me. It is harder than you think it is going to be because I am still playing so you are perhaps trying to do a bit more than you should.

“It is difficult to juggle the two and perhaps one is taking preferential treatment over the other at the minute.

“I am still trying to get myself back fit but I am thoroughly enjoying the coaching side of it as it is something I want to do in the future.”

After drawing their opening game 1-1 with Tamworth Jackman and Snape suffered defeats to Harrogate Town, FC Halifax Town and Altrincham.

But City have improved in recent weeks, drawing 2-2 with Darlington and 1-1 at Nuneaton Town last Saturday to climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

It is unclear whether Worcester’s board are looking to bring a manager in before the end of the campaign.

But Jackman reckons a new man would struggle to put their “stamp” on the team with just nine games remaining.

“At this stage in the season and with the way the club are at the minute I don’t know whether the board want to try to get somebody else in,” he said.

“Realistically is someone coming in now going to be able to put his stamp on it? Probably not.

“We will just keep plugging away and try to do what is best for the club.”

Jackman, a former Aston Villa trainee, played in the Football League for Stockport County, Gillingham and Northampton Town.

After a spell at Kidderminster Harriers Jackman joined City in 2014 and he has gone on to make almost 100 appearances.

As well as having plenty of experience on the pitch he runs his own coaching business KickStart Footy for youngsters and does classes at Villa.

“It (the manager’s job) is something I would be interested in,” said Jackman whose grandfather Bill played 121 games for City between 1947 and 1953.

“Whether I am ready yet or not I don’t know but if I can get as much experience as I can from now until the end of the season then who knows?

“Whether the board want to bring somebody in more long term in the summer or before then that’s their decision and I will be fully behind it.

“But if they look to do something a bit more within the club then that’s fine and we will see where that goes.”