BARELY a week after taking his first steps in management, Darren Powell is already starting work on next season's Hampton & Richmond Borough squad.
The former Brentford defender, who was appointed joint-manager with Paul Barry last Thursday, has started talking to players about staying on after the Beavers saw out their campaign with a 1-0 win over Bognor Regis on Saturday.
Powell admits it's a far cry from his playing days, when the last day of the season would usher in two months worth of putting his feet up.
He said: “It's very different now. The planning for next season has started already, there's no holiday time really. We've already started speaking to the boys about if they want to stay.
“We're also looking at who is available and having discussions about who we want to bring in, and although we won't be signing anyone yet, were getting feedback. I've got people I can call upon from my Football League days, but we'll be looking at clubs around us too.”
The centre-back insists, however, that taking on a management role does not necessarily mean he will be hanging up his boots.
He added: “I've always been interested in going into coaching, and this was a great opportunity, but I want to carry on playing. I've still got a full season in me and I still feel good. I will only call it a day when my body tells me to.
“It's never one person above the other with me and Paul, we're both responsible for everything. He's the voice on the bench and I'm the voice on the pitch. He will make changes he feels necessary, and I will say things before and after the game and at half time.”
