Assistant manager Gavin Ward is loving life at Gainsborough Trinity

Gainsborough Trinity assistant manager Gavin Ward has admitted he would love to return to the game on a full-time basis but insists life is good at the Northolme.

The 40-year-old joined the part-time Blue Square North side last December, to link up with manager Brian Little.

That followed a spell at Southern League side Hednesford Town and Ward is preparing for his first full season as the Blues' number two.

After a distinguished career with the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Leicester City and Cardiff City, Ward is looking to hone his skills in a coaching capacity.

And, coupled with the part-time role of working with the youth team players at League Two side Shrewsbury, the former Wrexham stopper feels being with Little in Lincolnshire will be a big help.

"It's about staying in the game," said Ward who played 323 times in both the Premier League and Football League.

"I don't deny the fact that I would love to be back in the game full time – every ex-professional will say the same – but I am happy here and Gainsborough is a great little club.

"With the way things are panning out I am gaining experience all the time.

"I am working three days at Gainsborough and three days at Shrewsbury with the under-15s and under-16s."

Ward has been a trusted employee of Little throughout his career having played for the former Aston Villa striker and manager at Leicester City, Tranmere and Wrexham.

Therefore, he revealed he jumped at the chance to join up with his former boss again when Little made his shock switch to Trinity last season.

"I played until Christmas last season at Hednesford but it got quite frustrating," admitted the Sutton Coldfield-born goalkeeper.

"There was myself, Sam Aiston and some other experienced pros but it just did not work out.

"Being a goalkeeper, it was frustrating at times as I was expecting my defenders to do what I was used to.

"But it was not happening and when Brian got in touch I was more than happy to join him."

Little managed Aston Villa to League Cup glory in 1996 and has also enjoyed promotion with Leicester and Darlington.

Ward is full of admiration for the 56-year-old's success and sees the former Tranmere boss as a great influence.

"I have worked under quite a few managers but I would have to say that Brian and Billy Davies at Nottingham Forest are probably the best, along with Eddie May when I was a youngster at Cardiff," he said.

"The things that they do to get the best out of players, the way they manage different characters is brilliant. We both have to do that at Gainsborough this season.

"But Brian is also very laid back and not one for going mad in the dressing room.

"When I worked under him and I had a bad game, one look from him and you or the team knew that they had let him down, that is the kind of rapport he has with his players.

"I would have preferred him to go mad, as then it is out in the open, but he is experienced and knows how to get the best out of his players and knows when certain individuals need an arm around their shoulder. Working under him is a good learning curve.

"There is myself, Sam Aiston, Gavin Cowan and the gaffer who travel in from the midlands and it is good for me and some of the other lads to hear the manager's point of view."

Ward will combine his role as number two to Little with coaching first-choice stopper Phil Barnes and sitting on the bench ready for action, should the former Sheffield United keeper encounter a problem during the game.

While Ward is happy to have teamed up with Barnes, his experience and knowledge tells him that Barnes is punching below his weight in Blue Square Bet North.

"I have known him for years and he should still be playing League football," said Ward.

"But for one reason or another he isn't and he is enjoying his football at Gainsborough.

"He is a good professional and enjoys some good, solid coaching, something he says he had missed."