Sam Hurrell is more used to Hillingdon Borough on the field than in the dugout, according to joint manager Jason O’Connor.

While the latter’s back and hip problems prevent him from playing, Hurrell has plenty to offer on the field.

The former Football Icon winner was once on the books of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea and played in the Conference with Woking during a promising start to his football career.

His time is now split between management and playing with Borough, but O’Connor is in no doubt as to where Hurrell has the greatest influence.

“Sam is still a big player for us,” O’Connor said. “His work at Chelsea sometimes restricts his training with us but when he does play, it makes a big difference. To have someone of his experience and his pace is great.

“I like to have him on the touchline with me as well, of course, but it’s important he plays as much as possible when he can still affect the game like he can.”

Hurrell has built up a good understanding with Boro regulars like Tom Kirk and Kieron and Rob Gradwell.

Continuity has been a major factor in Hillingdon’s improvement this season and O’Connor is not planning a summer clearout from the Middlesex Stadium.

“We’ve got a good nucleus to our team,” he added. “There are 10 or so lads who we’ve got that have known each other for years and train well together. We’re all in it for the same reasons and want to get the right results.”

They got the right result on Saturday as Kieron Gradwell’s second-half double secured a 2-1 win over Tring Athletic.

Harefield United, who had the chance to deny Hanwell Town the Spartan Premier title yesterday (Tuesday), lost 3-2 to Hoddesdon Town.