Guinan knows Hartpury from his three years with Cheltenham Town

Forest Green striker Steve Guinan has been appointed Hartpury College's new junior football academy manager.

The 34-year-old who joined on loan from Northampton on 27 November will combine the role with playing for Rovers, who train at Hartpury, from January.

"I didn't want to give up playing, I think I've still got a lot to offer," Guinan told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"I don't want to be travelling hundreds of miles so it seemed the logical solution to go to Forest Green Rovers."

Guinan also revealed that there had been interest in him from other clubs approaching the loan deadline and that Northampton did not stand in his way since he was transfer listed in the summer.

He is set to sign for Rovers until the end of the season in January and, with no travelling required between training bases, should be able to work full-time in both.

Guinan has already got his UEFA C, B and A coaching badges as well as a degree in sports science, a certificate in applied management and is a level two coach educator but knows his new challenge is a big one.

"I'll be running three teams, I'll be taking care of a technical programme for the Under-19s - they're pretty much like full-time academy players," he said.

"It's not an easy job, it's highly pressured, they're expected to win trophies - they're like the Manchester United of the college scene."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version