Coaching was never a part of Harley's post-football plan

He remains on the books as a player at MK Dons, but fans will have seen more of Ryan Harley on the bench alongside manager Russell Martin than they have on the pitch recently.

The 35-year-old has made just four appearances this season, all of them in August under former boss Paul Tisdale. Following his departure in November though, Harley agreed to help Martin make the transition from player to manager while he assembled his back-room staff. While Dean Thornton and Luke Williams have bolstered the coaching team, Harley has remained in a coach's tracksuit, rather than lacing up as a player again.

But while Martin had aspirations to become a manager after hanging up his boots, Harley said taking up a similar position had not crossed his mind.

"No, it wasn't, and still long term, who knows?" he said. "Short term, I'm enjoying it so we'll see how it goes. Officially, I'm still a player. I've been helping Russ so I guess I'm a player-coach, if you want to call it that.

"We've got a nice balance, where Russ is the general voice, manages the group, Luke does most of the coaching and is very good at it, and I do individual stuff, working with the players who need their touch softening up, or working on shooting, heading, anything they need."

Taking up the job alongside Martin initially, Harley has remained a part of the staff, but has played in reserve team and U23s games to keep himself fresh and ready should the situation arise. However, with a big squad, Harley admitted it is difficult to take part in training given his current role.

He said: "I train the odd day, but we've got so many bodies I can't really justify it. I can't tell another player not to play, because they're more important at the moment.

"I can't beat around the bush, I'm coming towards the end of my playing days but if I'm needed I can play, I join in the odd session and the odd reserve game to keep ticking over. As it is, I'm enjoying what I'm doing."