Hull defender Dawson hints at future in coaching

While he insists his playing days are far from over, Hull City defender Michael Dawson has hinted that he could turn his hand to coaching when he does hang his boots up.

Still finding his fitness following a knee injury picked up in pre-season, Dawson was part of Mike Phelan’s backroom staff for the trip to Bournemouth earlier this month.

And while it turned out to be a day to forget for Hull as they were thrashed 6-1, it could be a starting point for Dawson’s coaching career as he joined academy boss Tony Pennock to assist Phelan, overseeing warm-ups and delivering the last words of encouragement ahead of kick-off.

Dawson has already seen older brother Andy make the move into coaching with Scunthorpe United and took his own first steps down the same path when completing his UEFA B coaching licence during his time with Tottenham.

But ahead of his 33rd birthday next month, Dawson admits he has no immediate plans to end his playing days.

“For me to be sitting in the dugout was another different experience, the chance to see it from a different perspective. It was great the gaffer invited me, it was a real honour,” Dawson said.

“Playing is the best thing, any player will tell you that. I’m sure any coach will tell you that.

“For me, playing football is the best thing in the world, and that’s why it’s so frustrating when you’re injured. Coaching is something that I have done but it doesn’t give you the buzz that playing does.

“Maybe in a few years, when the legs can’t carry me and I can’t get around the field, it’s something I’ll look at going into.

“I did my B licence with John McDermott (Spurs head of coaching and development) in the Tottenham academy. That took me a year to do, coaching every Monday afternoon. It was interesting to see it from a different side, instead of just having the blinkers on as a player.

“The A licence takes 18 months to two years to complete, so at this moment in time, I’m just focusing on playing. I love every minute of it, so hopefully I can keep doing that for many more years.”