Stephen Lowry may be taking his first steps towards a coaching career, but he isn't hanging his boots up just yet.
The 36-year-old has penned a new one-year deal with Coleraine, which will see him involved with Oran Kearney's coaching set-up at The Showgrounds as well as continuing to play.
It is a natural progression for Lowry who wants to stay in the game when he eventually calls time on his playing career.
Read next: No club or country debate for Jonny Evans as he is set for 101st cap
The Limavady man though still feels he has plenty to offer for the Bannsiders on the pitch.
"I was very keen to continue on my playing career," he said.
"There were loads of questions for me and when you get a bit older everyone always asks when you're going to hang up the boots.
"I still feel like I've got a lot to offer, but the best way to prove that is on the pitch.
"The best feeling in football is proving people wrong, not that i'm trying to prove Oran or anyone at Coleraine wrong, it's just trying to show everyone that I can still do it at this level."
Kearney has also brought in former Cliftonville and Derry City coach Marty McCann as he revamps his backroom team following the departures of Paul Owens and Trevor McKendry.
"I'm delighted Oran has offered me a role in his coaching panel and I see myself in that longer term," said Lowry.
"It's great to have that opportunity, but I still need to improve and get better at that.
"I've just done part one of my A Licence, I've still got loads of learning to do and I'm still young and relatively inexperienced that way, but there's no better place to learn than with Oran.
"I've had a long playing career under Oran and other good managers, which will stand me in good stead.
"I feel like I've learned a lot off them. It's time for me to apply the coaching side of things and all the knowledge I have as a player."
Coleraine boss Kearney is delighted to have Lowry involved in both capacities for next season.
“Stevie is someone I trust, he is very educational when it comes to the coaching side of things as he’s just completed his A Licence and we are pleased that he can do both roles," he said.
“We see Stevie as someone who will majority be focused on playing but will have an input to training and sessions with a view to the future.”
READ NEXT:
- Michael O'Neill backs Ethan Galbraith to make the right move
Lee Bonis' dreams come true as he looks to cap off incredible season in style
Cliftonville appeal to fans after some online posts have 'crossed the line'
Brendan Rodgers' earnings at each of his clubs as Celtic target nets huge sums
Sign up to our f ree sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
