AFTER coming out of retirement to help Horley Town avoid relegation last season, Anthony Jupp insisted it was the last time, but with the team in trouble again the joint-manager is ready to don the claret and blue.
Horley currently sit fourth from bottom of the Combined Counties league Premier Division, one place above the drop zone, and defender Jupp admitted it is time.
"Each year I say I won't do it," the 38-year-old explained. "But a lot of people around the club have been saying I should and it just feels like time. I've just come back from holiday but I did a bit of training with an Australian team while I was out there.
"Last season I ended up playing for the last seven or eight games but it's come a bit earlier this year. It depends on the availability of other players how much I play, I'm not thinking that the side will suddenly be better with me in it but maybe it will give a few a bit of a kick up the backside.
"We have a very young side, most are in their late teens or early 20s so we could do with a bit of experience.
"The only thing is that I'm different as a player than I am as a manager.
"Most of the players know what I'm like on the pitch, I'm still very passionate but maybe a bit nastier."
And as well as pulling on the shirt himself, Jupp is looking to bring in some new faces at Horley with the aims of avoiding the situation they were in last year when they avoided relegation on the last day of the season.
"I don't want a situation like we had last season," Jupp admitted. "Going forward I'm looking to strengthen the side and I'm talking to a few players. We have a very small squad and as soon as you get a few injuries or suspension we only have the youth team to fall back on. There are some really good players in the youth team and I truly believe they are the future of the club but asking them to come and help us out in a relegation battle is a big ask and one they probably aren't ready for."
