I have everything it takes to make a success of it, says Simon Austin

FORMER Canterbury City manager Simon Austin says he wants to get back involved in football next season.



The 32-year-old striker took over the reigns of the Kent League club last summer, but resigned with only two games of the season remaining.

Austin has had time to reflect on his first managerial role and says he wants to get back into the game, either playing or managing.

“I’ve been asked about my plans for next season a lot lately and the honest answer at the moment is I don’t know, but I will definitely be involved somewhere,” said Austin.

“It’s nice just spending time with my family at the moment but that won’t last long (no offence to my wife or daughter).

“I’ll get itchy feet soon. I’ll have to be doing something football related, football is in my blood.

“I’ve been out to watch a few games, but it was good to just watch a game. It’s good to see how others do things. I’m always willing to learn or see if how I do things I still believe is better.  I had mates playing or managing so there was an interest there but that was it.”

Austin said he will only go to a club if he feels the move is right for him.

“But for me it’s about the right job, not just any job,” said Austin.

“I have cut my cloth (at Canterbury City).  I’ve had my first job and it was a successful one all things considered.

“I’ve had a few offers and chosen not to pursue them as I didn’t feel they were right for me.

“I’ve been around long enough to know that I need to be patient.  I am very serious about this and I know I have everything it takes to make a success of it, so my next managerial job is key and it needs to be right for me.

“I have had quite a few calls and chats with managers, asking my opinion on players, do I know any players, have you got so and so’s number? Can I go and watch a player during pre-season and yes this is good to keep involved but I need to be involved more.”

Austin, meanwhile, is willing to put on the boots again next season.

“I still have something to offer as a player for sure,” he said.

“I think it was noticeable when I didn’t play, so yes I will play next season.  I had planned to continue playing if I had chosen to stay where I was so it is no different.

“I would be open to just a playing role, yes and certainly with no hidden agendas. If someone wanted me to come in and just play then yes as long as it was right for me that is what I would do.”

Meanwhile, Tonbridge-based coach, Hugo Langton, 38, is looking for a new club after leaving Hastings United.  The east Sussex club reached the Third Round of The FA Cup for the first time in their history, but were relegated from the Ryman Premier League at the end of the season.