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David Wheater has revealed an ambition to move into youth coaching when he finishes the game.
The Wanderers defender, still just 30, is not considering slowing down any time soon but says he would like to explore his coaching badges and help promote youth football when he does call it quits.
“I would like to coach youngsters when I eventually hang up my boots - I’m not sure if first team coaching would be for me but my missus and everyone I know say how good I am with kids,” he said. “I think it would be great to play a part in helping them forge their careers and seeing them develop as a result of your coaching.
“That said, though, I am definitely nowhere near that yet! I’ve still got plenty left in the tank in terms of my own playing days.”
Wheater came through the famed Middlesbrough academy - much like team-mate Andy Taylor - and has seen close-hand the standards set by Jimmy Phillips and his academy staff since the first team moved into Lostock last year.
“You only have to look at Josh (Vela) and Zach Clough and see what they have done in their careers to see what a good set of coaching staff we have up at the academy,” he told the club.
“Academies are so important, especially for clubs like Bolton. Having come up through the ranks at Middlesbrough you see how crucial they are, and they really are the best days of your life as a young player.
“It’s hard work but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world and it has made me the player I am today, so I’ll always try and help the youngsters out when I can. There’s some great players coming through our set-up. It’s an exciting time for Bolton.”
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The Wanderers defender, still just 30, is not considering slowing down any time soon but says he would like to explore his coaching badges and help promote youth football when he does call it quits.
“I would like to coach youngsters when I eventually hang up my boots - I’m not sure if first team coaching would be for me but my missus and everyone I know say how good I am with kids,” he said. “I think it would be great to play a part in helping them forge their careers and seeing them develop as a result of your coaching.
“That said, though, I am definitely nowhere near that yet! I’ve still got plenty left in the tank in terms of my own playing days.”
Wheater came through the famed Middlesbrough academy - much like team-mate Andy Taylor - and has seen close-hand the standards set by Jimmy Phillips and his academy staff since the first team moved into Lostock last year.
“You only have to look at Josh (Vela) and Zach Clough and see what they have done in their careers to see what a good set of coaching staff we have up at the academy,” he told the club.
“Academies are so important, especially for clubs like Bolton. Having come up through the ranks at Middlesbrough you see how crucial they are, and they really are the best days of your life as a young player.
“It’s hard work but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world and it has made me the player I am today, so I’ll always try and help the youngsters out when I can. There’s some great players coming through our set-up. It’s an exciting time for Bolton.”
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