PAUL Smith may have been in football for 33 years, but he admits to still getting a big buzz out of the game.

And he is now looking to become involved again after a summer break.

Smith left his role as manager of Ridgeons League Premier Division Walsham-le-Willows after feeling that he had taken the village club as far as it could go.

He was expected to slip into another managerial job after doing so well at Summer Road.

But he is still without a club and explained why: “My wife Beverley underwent a major operation and this has been my priority during the close season.

“She is fine now and in recent weeks I have had a look at Bury Town, AFC Sudbury and Needham Market.

“There have been a few phone calls, but at the time I was not in the market, and to be honest it’s been good to have a pre-season without having to chase players.

“But I’m starting to get itchy feet again.”

The man who scored goals for fun during a highly successful playing career and was tipped by many good judges to have been talented enough to play professional football if the ball had ran more kindly for him, is still in love with the game.

“I want to get back before long to what I should be doing on Saturday afternoons,” he added.

“I’m not too concerned about at what level, but I need a new challenge and the higher the standard the more rewarding that could be.

“Over the past few weeks I’ve been making notes of players who impressed me – and I’ve stored them for future use.”

Smith reveals that there are no irons in the fire and he is looking to add to his coaching badges during his break from management.

“I’ve been striking a few balls on the golf course, but if a club was to come in now I would show interest,” added Smith.

“I used to get a big buzz from playing and I started when I was 17.

“Being in and around the dressing room as a manager gave me a similar buzz, and one that I would like to experience again.”