WIMBORNE Town assistant James Stokoe believes it has been the “natural progression” for him to step into coaching at the club – even if it upsets his wife!

The 34-year-old had initially been brought into the backroom staff as a player-coach at Cuthbury, covering for Shane Traynor.

But with former manager Matty Holmes stepping down from his position, Stokoe had been propelled to assist boss Danny Holmes in the Magpies’ setup.

Quizzed about his new role, former Eastleigh and Bashley man Stokoe told Radio Wimborne: “My phone conversations with Danny are long and many now, much to the frustration of my wife. I should be at home looking after the kids!

“But I’m on the phone texting the players and on the group chat organising training and meet-up points. There’s a bit more work for me but it’s really good and I’m enjoying it.”

Stokoe is set to be part of the Wimborne setup travelling to Harrow Borough in Southern League South on Saturday (3pm).

And the club stalwart, who is planning to take his coaching badges, admitted he was still coming to terms with making the transition from player to coach.

“I want to play but I have really enjoyed helping Danny out and helping the lads out from the sidelines,” he added.

“It’s a bit of a frustration for me because I’ve played 40-plus games every season, including last season. To go from that down to two starts that I’ve had this year is a massive difference for me.

“I’m 34 now and I know my playing career is coming to the end, this was the natural progression.”