Tom Claisse has become player/coach at returning Toolstation NCEL Division One club Emley AFC.
The very experienced midfielder, whose Non League career has taken him to clubs such as Farsley Celtic, Ossett Town, Handsworth, Ossett Albion, Tadcaster Albion and a few more, joined Emley last season.
Away from Non League, Claisse is the former captain of the RAF senior representative team. Through his work with the RAF he has also carried the FA Cup up to the Royal Box at the 2018 FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Claisse, who will work under Richard Tracey and assistant manager Steve Nicholson, told Emley’s club website: “The reason behind me accepting the role is I have another shoulder operation incoming when the pandemic calms down so I could potentially miss a few months of the season and it’s a way the club can keep me around taking on the new role.
“The lads seem happy with me being player/coach which is also important. I’ve already put sessions on to which I get involved in too as I’m still a player.
“The Gaffa approached me a few weeks back and asked if I’d jump on board and now be player/coach. It’s something I’d not really thought of just yet. Having spoken to the Gaffa again he was saying how much I’m respected by players and that it would be a perfect fit. I accepted the role and here we are now.”