RUFUS BREVETT may now resist the temptation to join in kick-abouts down at Bedfont.

The former QPR, West Ham and Fulham defender arrived at The Orchard earlier in the season as assistant to boss Mick Turtle.

Having hung up his boots following a spell in the Conference with Oxford United two years ago, the 39-year-old decided to take his FA coaching badges.

But it seems old habits die hard - and joining in a training session a few weeks ago left the 39-year-old with a broken wrist!

He said: "I still like to have a little run around now and again, but may think twice in the future."

Brevett hopes coaching at Bedfont will be a stepping stone into management, and has ambitions to move up the leagues.

He said: "Any player who has played the game wants to stay in the game.

"I haven't got a dream managers' job. But I'd like to coach or manage as high up as possible and challenge myself.

"So this is an opportunity to get my foot on the ladder."

But for now, Brevett is happy helping Bedfont to finish comfortably in the Combined Counties Premier after two seasons spent battling relegation.

A 3-2 win over Hartley Wintney on Saturday

brought to an end a recent run of bad form and left Bedfont 14th.

Brevett added: "There are a few players here that are really good. I've been impressed with the standard.

"Before losing the four on the spin I thought we could finish top five, but now the plans are just to win as many games as possible."

Brevett's presence has had a great effect both on Bedfont's team spirit and playing style, according to Turtle.

He said: "Having someone like Rufus here can't do any harm, and if they're not will

ing to take the advice of a top-flight player, then they are never going to improve."

Bedfont had to rely on an 88th-minute goal from former Bedfont Green player Luke Craig to secure three points against Hartley, in a game that saw two red cards and two penalties.

A 13th-minute own-goal put Bedfont in front before Hartley scored two early second-half goals, only for Diggi Bangura to level for Bedfont moments after they had fallen behind.

An 18-man brawl then saw Darren O'Callaghan and Hartley's Piode Zygiers dis

missed, and Craig went on to miss a penalty for Bedfont.

But he made amends in the dying seconds with the winner when the ball fell to him unmarked in the box.

Brevett said: "We've played better than that and lost games, so when you play

badly and win, maybe the tide is turning in our favour."

Turtle agreed, adding: "I thought we were very poor. We didn't work or play for each other and we struggled to compete. But I was pleased with the character of the team."