Last week, Chris Hussey made the difficult decision to call time on a professional playing career that had seen him amass over 550 senior appearances over the past 16 years.
Earning promotions with AFC Wimbledon, Bury, Sheffield United, Cheltenham Town and Port Vale, as well as turning out for the likes of Coventry City, Crewe Alexandra, Burton Albion, Swindon Town, Stockport and, most recently, Walsall, he has built up a wealth of experience.
Now the 34 year-old will be bringing that to the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central after joining Stratford Town in a role that will see him combine playing with assisting on the coaching side of things.
”I’ve come here to enjoy my football and to help Jed [McCrory, Chairman] give back to the community,” Hussey told stratfordtownfc.co.uk. “If I can give something back, I’ll be a happy man.
“I’m at the latter stages of my career and I’ve done alright; we’ve got some good young players here that I can pass on my knowledge to; I’m all about helping people and helping the club.
“On my football journey, I’ve learned a lot but I’m coming to a transition to the other side of the game and it’s a good opportunity to get my foot in the door with the coaching side and learn from the coaching staff here.”
Bards’ boss, Gavin Hurren, added: “This is a massive signing for the club. It shows where this club wants to go in attracting players and to recruit someone like Chris is credit to what the Chairman is building here and I can’t wait to work with him.
“He’s an ultimate professional; he’s come straight in and settled as you would expect and when you look at the levels he’s played and what he’s won - eight promotions! It’s going to be fantastic for the dressing room.
“He’s going to help with the coaching but he’s going to concentrate on playing - that’s what we’ve signed him for.
“I think we can help each other out with what he brings with his experience and from the level he’s been playing at, but hopefully, I’ll also be able to help him in the transition from full-time by helping to make his environment correct.
“I’ve been there and it can be tough at times. Having spoken at length with him, I can already see it’s going to be a real success story.”
Saturday sees Stratford Town make the trip to an in-form Halesowen Town.
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