Finnigan - there's still life in me yet (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Finnigan - there's still life in me yet

6:04pm Thursday 22nd July 2010

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MIDFIELDER John Finnigan is hoping to put his latest injury problems behind him and concentrate on playing for Harriers.

Internet rumours have suggested the 34-year-old was set to quit the club and join Cheltenham Town's coaching staff.

However, Finnigan confirmed that's nothing further from the truth and believes he can play on for several more seasons.

He said: "A few people have said to me that I'm going to Cheltenham but it's simply not true.

"I still want to play and my main focus is to stay fit and make a contribution to Harriers. There's still a few more years in my playing career.

"Of course when I do finally retire I would like to stay involved in football and coaching is one way to do that but not right now.

"Steve Burr's brought quite a few new midfielders in and there looks at though there's going to be a few options, with Keith Briggs, Chris McPhee, Kyle Hadley, David Hankin, Jack Byrne and myself."

Finnigan is still working hard to try and overcome his injury problem and he's hoping he might be able to make his first pre-season appearance of the summer in Saturday's friendly at home to former club Nottingham Forest (3pm kick-off).

The midfielder is eager to return but knows he must take be patient or suffer more injury problems.

"It's been frustrating because all I do is want to play. I feel if I am fit I can play a big part for the next two or three years," added the midfielder.

"I managed to play in a training kick about on Thursday and came through it okay.

"It felt good to finally get the ball at my feet for the first time in a few months.

"The club is being careful with me because they don't want to make my injury any worse than it already is.

"They also know me too well and that I'd throw myself around the pitch, so they're taking it very easy with me.

"I spent six years at Forest and really enjoyed my time there.

"I went there because Brian Clough was in charge at the time and he had a reputation for bringing younger players through.

"Unfortunately, I never made it into the first team but I have a lot of fond memories of my time there, so it would be great to play against them."

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