Blues manager Paul Jewell has revealed that left-back Mark Kennedy is working as a player-coach and is set to join the coaching staff permanently when he hangs up his boots in the summer.

Jewell told the BBC: "Mark's got good potential to be a coach and has good knowledge of the game. We have brought him to our side and hopefully in the summer he can do coaching full-time.”

The Town boss says he anticipates the 35-year-old retiring in the summer: "I think that's probably going to happen. I don't think player-coaches work. I actually think it's an impossible situation for a player.

"We're just giving him an insight into it with a view to making it permanent in the summer. Hopefully he can help the younger players coming through with his experience."

Kennedy, who joined the Blues for £75,000 in July 2010, has made only six starts and one sub appearance this season.

The Dubliner, who won 34 full Republic of Ireland caps, scoring four times, began his career with Millwall, moving on to Liverpool, QPR (loan), Wimbledon, Manchester City, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Cardiff.

Photo: Action Images

Lanky added 19:26 - Mar 1 good to see
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harlingblue added 19:32 - Mar 1 We are in need of a defensive Coach, our goals against shows that and Mark could be a good addition in that role...he would be 'young' as a coach, rather than an old as a player. Getting Coaching credentials would then be of optimum importance!
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DutchTownFan added 19:38 - Mar 1 Good!!!
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TractorMan added 20:34 - Mar 1 When he retires??? Didn't he do that with the performance at Burnley? ;o) Seriously though will be good to have him on board as a coach and hopefully can really bring on Joe Whight too.
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Sindre94 added 20:58 - Mar 1 Excellent news to be fair, he did a very good job against arsenal in that holding role, and Im glad hes still involved. Very good pro and a decent chap as well. I think this is a good addition to our coaching staff, good luck sparky!;)
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rosseden added 20:58 - Mar 1 this is excellent news.....
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GetInTheGameScowcrof added 21:28 - Mar 1 I've never rated Kennedy and certainly don't trust him to coach the team! He'll be teaching them all what horse to back at the bookies after they finish training! Just what Chops needs!
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Manchester_Blue added 21:58 - Mar 1 GetInTheGameScowcrof: On basis are you making that call? Because he's Irish? You are a prize 'Tumpsy!'
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ThatMuhrenCross added 22:05 - Mar 1 We should mould him into a future manager of this football club. By the time he is 40, so long as he gets all his qualifications, I am sure he would make good management material.
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Manchester_Blue added 22:49 - Mar 1 GetInTheGameScowcrof: On basis are you making that call? Because he's Irish? You are a prize 'Tumpsy!'
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Dalty added 23:25 - Mar 1 Really pleased to hear this... both in his versatility as a player and in his thoughtful comments whenever interviewed he's always sounded like a person with plenty to offer in the coaching side of things. Glad we've not lost out on reaping the initial benefits of his footballing wisdom.
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rosseden added 01:12 - Mar 2 On the pitch he's always vocal. Supportive of team mates, and very good with younger players when alongside them in a match. You see it if you watch him when hes playing. He's always been the same. Suspect he'll be a top coach one day. . . what is it about Irish and Scottish players doing well in management . . . .
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ericgates added 05:53 - Mar 2 He seems a really good chap. I remember watching Cardiff beating Leicester in the play off semi final the year before last on penalties, and Waghorn missed the decisive spot kick for Leicester, and Kennedy was consoling a distraught Waghorn, whilst missing out on his own teams celebrations.
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GetInTheGameScowcrof added 08:20 - Mar 2 Manchester Blue One of my mates is a town player and they've told me of the gambling and drinking woes at the club and Kennedy is one of the instigators. Also I've seen him parking his Bentley on double yellows outside the bookies in Woodbridge whilst he's inside. Maybe he's just interested in watching dogs and horses on tv? But I suspect he likes a bit of a gamble!

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tractorboy2434 added 10:00 - Mar 2 Why not just let him go and get a proven coach, why pay someone who is unproven, much like the rest of our coaching staff, with exception of Osman
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Fatcatevans added 10:22 - Mar 2 Jobs for the boys
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Raedwald_625 added 10:54 - Mar 2 I kinda agree Fat. Hope this based on merit and not sentiment. It's not like he's really one of 'ours'.
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Surco72 added 10:57 - Mar 2 Had big gambling issues at Liverpool so may be some truth in it . I like the idea we are promoting coaching from within the club ,that the players and youngsters already have a bond with ,makes coaching alot easier .Players like Kennedy,Bowyer,Bullard,Sonko and Ellington can only benefit the likes of Drury,Hyam,Cresswell,Murray,Smith etc
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