JAMES Stokoe revealed his interest in a future coaching role at Wimborne Town – but first has more to offer as a player.

The club stalwart is on Saturday set to take part in his testimonial fixture when a Magpies XI take on a Cherries XI at Cuthbury (1pm).

Midfielder Stokoe has played more than 400 games during his time at Wimborne.

He featured 41 times in all competitions for Matty Holmes’s charges this season, scoring seven goals to help his side finish third in Southern League West.

Formerly of Eastleigh and Bashley, Stokoe played 100 minutes of Wimborne’s heartbreaking penalty shootout play-off final defeat to Swindon Supermarine on Monday.

Asked about taking up a possible coaching position, he told the Daily Echo: “Matty and I had a very brief chat about it. I have managed to play another 40-odd games this season and have not had any injuries.

“I will definitely stay in the game in one way or another after I finish playing but hopefully that will be a couple of years away.

“If Matty is still around hopefully we can sit down and discuss possibly going through my coaching badges, doing a bit with the team and getting involved a little more on the coaching side.

“I will be 33 in November. I feel like I can still do a job and I will look after myself as best as I can.

“If that means having a little stretch after a game or, if we are winning by three or four, Matty may look to bring me off and save my legs to do what we can to keep me useful on the pitch.

“I still feel I can go for another year to two yet.”

Stokoe’s select side is expected to feature former Cuthbury stars Liam Green, Paul Roast, Ian Oliver and Mark Gamble against a Cherries outfit set to be managed by Alan Connell and Shaun Cooper.

“It’s been a privilege to play for the club and I am lucky they have offered me this testimonial to say thank you,” added the Magpies ace.

“I have been there nine or 10 years now and it feels nice that they appreciate the effort I have put in coming down from Eastleigh two or three times a week.

“Hopefully I have repaid them over the years and will continue to do so in whatever capacity Matty and his staff decide they want me in.

“We have a few ex-players coming back to play in my side. It is looking really good at the moment and it would be great to get as many people there as we can.”

Boss Holmes added: “James has been a brilliant servant for the football club.

“Bournemouth have done him a real favour by bringing down a team so, hopefully, some supporters will come and watch the game and support James, who has put so much back into non-league.”