Statistics don't lie for hungry Green

CLOSE . . . Paul Green with a near-miss against Manchester United X1

EIGHT games short of his 600th career appearance, Paul Green is as enthusiastic as ever about the new season at the age of 34.

The former Republic of Ireland international is quite sensibly preparing himself for a future off the pitch.

He co-owns the A1 Football Factory close to his native Pontefract ­- a venture which for the last three years has provided a coaching base for promising young players.

Green has, this summer, started on his UEFA 'B' coaching qualification as well as taking on personal training courses.

Still, training every day has lost none of its allure for the former Doncaster Rovers, Derby and Leeds man, who is one of Athletic manager John Sheridan's most trusted figures.

And with a smile, he makes the point that his statistics ­- at one stage last season, Green covered 26km in two matches ­- put him well up there with the best of the squad's young guns.

"This is a job I love doing," said Green, who returned to action, after a slight Achilles issue, against a Manchester United XI this week.

"Every young lad wants to be a professional footballer and that's what I have always wanted to do, to play the game. I don't feel any different. My stats are up there with all the young lads ­- so I will just keep going until my body tells me to stop."

One change for his second season at the club as been in the dug-out, where he now has former Doncaster team-mate Richie Wellens issuing instructions.

"I still get on with Richie and have been in touch with him anyway through our respective careers," Green added.

"He has taken that step and with it being something I want to get into as well, I can bounce ideas off him.

"He is a good lad to have around and his career shows what he is all about."

As for Athletic's chances this coming season, despite plenty of pundits again tipping the club for the drop Green is relaxed in the knowledge that he has a manager in John Sheridan who the players respect.

"He just seemed to simplify everything when he came in," he added. "The lads bought into it and he treated us well. It showed on the pitch.

"He has had a full pre-season with us now and has kept the majority of the players from last year, plus some new additions. I'm sure we can really kick on this year."