REDDITCH United’s new player/coach is ready to draw on his Football League experience to help develop talented youngsters at the club.
Danny Jackman made more than 300 appearances for a string of sides after being released by Aston Villa. He featured at Stockport County, Gillingham and Northampton Town before heading to Kidderminster Harriers and Worcester City.
“I’m hoping to use my experience to help out the youngsters and try to bring them along,” said the 34-year-old.
“I still want to play as much as I can and I still have the hunger and the desire for the game, but I also want to nurture the young lads and help them improve.
“I’m here to assist Darren (Byfield) so, whatever he wants me to do, I will give my all, which is what I’ve always done.”
Jackman was a team-mate of the Reds boss when at Villa and, when the pair discussed the role at the Trico Stadium, the timing was perfect. The Worcester-born midfielder had been assistant to John Snape at City last season and coaching was something he wanted to carry on with.
“I absolutely loved doing it and it’s something I wanted to do more of,” he explained. “The opportunity wasn’t there at Worcester so when Darren explained what he wanted me to do here it was really encouraging.
“I spoke to the chairman as well as Darren and they were both ambitious. It’s a club I wanted to get involved in. Darren is someone I know well and someone I trust so hopefully we can form a good team and work well together.”
Jackman picked up Player of the Season awards at both Northampton and Gillingham and admits he is looking forward to making his debut on the 3G pitch.
“Getting to my stage in my career it’s going to be good to play on a nice pitch,” Jackman admitted. “I never used to like coming here as a player because of the state of the pitch but now we can look forward to playing every week.”
Jackman is unavailable for the opening pre-season game at Coleshill Town on Saturday but will be back for the first home friendly against Halesowen Town on Tuesday, July 4.
