Paul Green says he is looking forward to aiding the development of the younger members of the Rovers squad after being appointed first team transition coach.
Green will give special attention to the developing players in the senior group as part of his new role and believes his experiences on the pitch for Rovers will stand him in good stead/
“I’m excited to get the role,” he said. “I played during an incredibly successful part of this club’s history and I know where the club wants to be and what the fans want. I want to be part of it.
“I’m always smiling, a happy-go-lucky man and it’s nice to have that energetic coach to get about them and get them buzzing. I like to bring that forward.
“I can share my experiences throughout the game. I’ve been in it for a long time. There’s some young players in there and it’s nice to be able to guide them in the right direction.”
Green believes Rovers’ new-look senior coaching staff will work well together, having quickly gelled in the last few weeks since Danny Schofield’s arrival as head coach.
As well as Green’s appointment as first team transition coach, Chad Gribble has been named assistant head coach.
“It’s nice to have the different ideas put on the table and it’s good the gaffer has got his ideas,” the 39-year-old said.
“We agree with the style of football he wants to play and what the club needs.
“Everyone needs to be on the same page going forward and we agree on it.
“I’ve been working with Chad for a few months now. He’s very detailed and clear in his messages and he’s brought that up to first team level with the gaffer.
“I played against the gaffer in my career but to see this side of him is really exciting. He’s really detailed, really clear in his messages and I think it’s what the club needs at this point in time.”
In taking up the role, Green made the decision to retire from playing, having turned out for Worksop Town this season.
“It’s a tough decision but you don’t get these opportunities every day of the week,” he said.
“It’s the next transition in my career, going into the coaching side. To have the opportunity to work with an up-and-coming young manager like Danny and Chad as the assistant, it’s a great opportunity.
“I want to bring my personality and experience to the table and I think we’ve got a good dynamic here.”
Looking back on a storied career, which saw him become arguably the most decorated player in Rovers history as well as winning international honours with Republic of Ireland, Green is proud of his achievements.
He said: “There’s always ups and downs in your career but I’ve probably had more ups, with four promotions on my CV, Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in there.
“Most players go through their careers without a promotion or a domestic trophy and I’ve been fortunate enough to have them. I’ve represented my country and played against some world class players.
“I think of myself as just a lad from Pontefract that’s achieved quite a lot but I’ve worked hard for it.”