Stuart King had something of a pinch me moment last Wednesday when he picked up his UEFA Pro Licence.
The Carrick Rangers boss took part in the Irish FA programme alongside the likes of Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt, former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt, now a coach in West Bromwich Albion’s youth academy, and Ex-WBA, Bolton and Birmingham City defender Paul Robinson, now first team coach at Millwall.
King was one of several NIFL Premiership and NIFL Women’s Premiership managers and coaches to pick up their certificates from former Northern Ireland captain Martin O’Neill, who was the special guest at the event staged at the Culloden Hotel, Cultra.
Read next: Irish Football Association respond to David Healy's Windsor Park pitch concern
Glentoran boss Mick McDermott, Cliftonville manager Paddy McLaughlin, Dungannon Swifts boss Dean Shiels and Glentoran Women coach Gail Redmond joined the Carrick Rangers boss in picking up their diplomas.
King's pride was there for all to see as he made another huge step forward in his coaching career, a journey he admitted he never thought he would be on.
"When I was playing I never thought I would be doing this," said the 41-year-old.
"It's a regret I have that I didn't do it earlier.
"It has taken me ten years to get where I am.
"As everyone knows I was a hyper winger who liked getting at people, scoring goals and liked being a footballer.
"But having a wife and family has sort of settled me down a bit.
"I've got into the coaching side of things and I'm absolutely delighted with what I've done, I'll be honest, I'm proud as punch.
"I'm different to other people doing it as they are all full-time in the game as I have a career outside of football.
"I started my coaching badges when I was at Ballyclare before going on to Banbridge Town and now at Carrick Rangers.
"It's a remarkable achievement, I'm absolutely delighted I've done it.
"The experience of it, the people I've met and the opportunities that may come off it is unreal."
READ NEXT:
- Linfield boss Healy happy to fend off 'dark clouds' around Windsor
Joe Brolly tears into Roy Keane over 'hypocritical' World Cup comments on Qatar
World Cup 2022 Quiz: Test your knowledge with these 11 questions
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
