JAMIE MCGUIRE wants to help former Mansfield Town boss and team-mate Adam Murray revitalise Non-League sleeping giant Boston United.
McGuire was a big part in Fleetwood Town's rise into the Football League and played 25 times in League Two last season for Mansfield, where he's spent the last four seasons.
The 33-year-old turned down offers to stay in the League to join Murray's Pilgrims after taking up a coaching role at Mansfield's academy.
The move fits perfectly with Boston set to train near Mansfield, where McGuire is settled, two-nights a week next season.
He's no stranger to the rigours of the National League North, however, and he's convinced the club can do well in a tough division.
“I had a fair few offers from clubs in the League but, at my age, it's the right time to go into Academy coaching and play part-time,” McGuire told The NLP.
“I know all about the gaffer – I did well for him at Mansfield – and Boston is a good club. They've had some bad times since they've dropped down but they've got a good manager and they're going to a new stadium in a couple of years time, which looks really nice. Everything is in place to do well again.
“It's a tough league, the National League North, with some big-hitters. But I know what it's about, I've won it with Fleetwood. I'm not coming from having played in the League all my life. I know what Non-League's about, I've been there and done it.
Experience
“Hopefully my experience can help the lads. I know what it's like to go to difficult places on a Tuesday night.
“I did it at Fleetwood when Micky Mellon was manager. We'd go to Alfreton and play four central midfielders across the park because it was always a battle.
“I'm looking forward to it. I like a battle and I like a challenge. If we can start well, we'll get the crowds in. It's a little sleeping giant in Non-League if we can kick-start it again.”
McGuire played alongside Murray in the Stags' midfield before the latter became his boss for two years. And the former Cammell Laird and Droylsden man will be keeping a close eye on how Murray coaches to help his own development.
“It's a good environment at Mansfield because you mix around with all the teams,” McGuire said. “They've got some really good kids coming through.
“I'm on the road with my coaching badges. I've got a lot of learning to do but I couldn't be in a better place with Mike Whitlow, John Dempster, Scott Rickards and Richard Cooper.
“Muz is a really good coach so I can learn off him, too – and get some nice coaching plans off him!”
