Dan Harding has been told why the time is right for him to start coaching.

The former Albion, Southampton and Nottingham Forest left-back has signed a new deal at Whitehawk for the coming season.

He will combine playing with coaching duties alongside boss Jimmy Dack and assistant Andy Little.

Dack was assistant manager at Hawks last season and liked what he saw of Harding as a senior figure in the squad.

He said: “I felt he was a really calming influence. He spoke well and said good things at the right times in the changing room.

“I know he wants to get more into coaching at some point and this is a good time. He has a great knowledge of the game.

“I’ll look for him to get involved when we train on Tuesday nights, doing some stuff with the back four and just general coaching work.

“It’s the next step for Dan and this will be hands-on stuff but still worth the opportunity to concentrate on playing. We will let him do as much coaching as he can.

“I’m delighted to have Andy as well. He is a very knowledgeable guy in all areas of football, not just goalkeeping, and he is a steady head.”

Hawks resume training on Thursday and will look at a few new faces hoping to secure deals.

Dack said: “We don’t want to rush into anything. I think they did that last summer and ended up having a tough season.

“There were panic buys and I am mindful of that.

“Sometimes signings are taken out of our hands because we can’t compete financially with the top teams in our league. But we will be patient.”

Hawks are believed to have agreed deals with players but will keep identities under wraps until all is signed and sealed.

Dack and Little will field questions at a fans’ meeting at the club tonight (7pm) which is open to non-members.

The Hawks boss said: “Supporters need to know where we stand and why we have lost players. They will get honest answers.”