Mark Hudson is looking forward to getting stuck into coaching – and eventually management.
But the Huddersfield Town captain and centre-back isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet.
Hudson, 34, this week signed a new three-year contract which provides for a transition to his post-playing career.
There’s no specific timescale, but the former Cardiff City man, who already holds the UEFA B coaching badge, will start work on his A licence this summer.
“I’m over the moon about the new contract,” said Hudson, who is fresh from making his 400th league appearance, 78 of them for Town.
“The talks have been going on a while, and now I can put the paperwork in the drawer and focus on the football.”
Hudson says his desire to move onto coaching has grown in recent years.
“When you are younger, all you think about is playing,” explained the former Fulham, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic man, who joined Town in September 2014.
“But of course when you get older, you think about what’s going to happen after you stop.
“Ultimately I would like to manage, but coaching is an important step, and I am on the way.
“I took the B licence through the Welsh FA and it involved a week-long course, various written exercises and 16 hours of practical coaching.
“The A licence is another step-up, with various extra two-day sessions, and it takes 18 months to complete.
“The club have been great, and the boss says I can take the occasional day off if I need it.
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“But for the time being, my focus is very much on playing, and I feel there are still a few miles in the legs.
“The great thing is that I can learn more about coaching while I am still playing.
“There are some top people here to pick up tips and ideas from, and for someone who is new to it like me, that’s important.”
