TONY James says the time is right for him to move into a new phase of his career as he takes on a new role as strength and conditioning coach for Newport County AFC, writes Andrew Penman.

The 35-year-old is still registered as a player for the Exiles and will be ready to step in if needed but his main role will be on the coaching staff from now on.

The centre-back, who was voted South Wales Argus player of the year for last season, has not featured for County since going off injured in the home victory over Southend United on October 26.

And James admits that old age is catching up with him but he’s delighted with his new position, which will see him take the players through their warm-up regime ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Chesterfield (kick-off 1pm).

“I’m delighted. It’s something that’s been in the back of my mind since I first signed for the club,” he said.

“To have an opportunity now to slow down and move forward with the strength and conditioning role is fantastic for me.

“It’s a big decision and it will be difficult but I’m not hanging my boots up yet,” he added. “I’ll still be ticking over just in case we have a major crisis.”

James says the task of keeping up with the likes of 20-year-old Adedeji Oshilaja in training helped him make up his mind.

“I must admit day in and day out I am finding it hard to keep up with some of the lads in training,” he said.

“It is a young man’s game and I could probably still play on match day without a problem but it is the recovery time afterwards and getting back from niggles that takes longer as you get older.

“I think it’s the right time. It’s a fact of life and it happens to every footballer but I’m just really happy that I can move on to something I love doing.

“Maybe the future’s come a little bit sooner than I would have wanted but really it’s perfect for me.”

Exiles boss Justin Edinburgh backed James to make a success of his new role.

“It was a role that I offered Tony in the summer but after a fantastic season when he played 44 games he felt he could carry on,” said Edinburgh.

“But I think sometimes things catch up with you and with the opportunity arising now he’s going to get his teeth into that.

“I’m sure he’ll make a success of it and we’re delighted to have him on the staff with us.”