Walsall midfielder Stuart Sinclair focuses on playing – but has an eye on coaching future
Walsall midfielder Stuart Sinclair has teased that he may consider moving into coaching when he hangs up his boots.
The 33-year-old, in the last year of his Saddlers contract, has featured nine times this season as his playing time has reduced from last season.
When asked if he is thinking about life as a football coach, he said: “Maybe. I’m trying to concentrate on the little bit (of playing) I have left.
“If I could go back to being 25, I would jump at the chance.
“For now I want to enjoy the time I have left and be involved as much as I can.
“When that time comes that might be something I look for, I do enjoy it.
“It’s part of life, as you move forward you have to develop your role and help where you can.
“For me it’s about enjoying my football as much as I can and trying to help.
“Developing myself and the side as much as I can.
“Obviously you want to play every minute but the way I play it’s bound to happen, I’m trying to come to terms with it (retirement).
“It’s not something I enjoy or like to think about, but I try and look at the positives.”
After being a key part of the starting XI for much of last season, Sinclair has taken a step back this campaign as Liam Kinsella has emerged as a consistent and reliable performer in midfield.
Part of that was due to Sinclair’s injury at the beginning of the campaign and while he wants to have more minutes on the field, he is aware of his role as he gets older.
“I worked hard and did a lot of fitness stuff to get back,” he added.
“It gets harder as you get older and you have to manage your load a little bit more, but I feel fit now and strong.
“It’s about playing games now. It didn’t help missing games during lockdown.
“But I feel good and the manager can use me as and when he needs me.
“For sure, I want to play every minute.
“But I understand that as I get older my role changes within the side and I’m enjoying that.
“I speak with the gaffer a lot and as I get older that’s part of being a footballer.
“Unfortunately my football career has always been hustle and bustle and that does take a toll on the body.
“You have to manage the body in a different way and I’m trying to help the younger lads and push them forward and see them flourish. I can watch that and be excited for them and the club. For the club to move forward the young players are a huge part of that.
“I enjoy helping them any way I can.”
