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Jemson hangs up his boots: And wants Town job
NIGEL Jemson announced his retirement from competitive football after Town's goalless draw at Chorley on Saturday.
But the Halifax caretaker boss has still to submit his application to become Jim Vince's permanent replacement in the Shay hotseat.
Jemson arrived at the Shay last summer when he was appointed assistant manager by Vince and had not expected to play many games.
Now, after 20 starts and a further 12 appearances from the bench, he has decided to call time on a career that included spells with Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United.
"That was my last competitive game," he said. "You cannot go on forever.
"I love the game and like to think I have been of some help this season. I don't think I have embarrassed myself with my performances.
"Okay, I am carrying one or two pounds more than I should but I have thoroughly enjoyed playing.
"All season I have trained on and off and playing takes its toll.
"At my age it is tough to drive two and a half hours to train for two hours and then drive home again and still feel as fresh as a daisy.
"I have no regrets, I have enjoyed my time here and hope it can go on a bit further."
Although he has yet to apply for the manager's job, it is likely that Jemson will throw his hat into the ring now his stint in temporary charge has ended.
"I have had some bad times and some fantastic times," he said. "Football is in my blood and it is all I seem to know.
"I haven't applied as yet but will be doing. Why wouldn't I want to be manager of this football club? It is a great club.
"People know how I feel, I am passionate and I want to be part of its success.
"I have not spoken to the board about it but I would like to think the experience I have had here this year will stand me in good stead if I am lucky enough to get an interview.
"Since I took over I have wanted to be on the sidelines watching, but my hands have been tied.
"We have had injuries and players declaring themselves unfit when they were possibly fit.
"If I had not played at Chorley and Mark Hotte had not declared himself available, we wouldn't have had any subs.
"Players need to work on their bodies during the season and that is something we have not done enough of."
Saturday's goalless draw meant Jemson ended his four game spell in charge without a win, although he felt Town did enough to have picked up three points at Victory Park.
"I thought we deserved the three points but we didn't have the killer instinct in front of goal," he said.
"We have not been firing on all cylinders, but we have still had enough chances.
"It is a long close season and you always look back at your last game.
"In the four games I have had we have drawn three and lost one - and I think we should have won them all."
Town's lack of firepower was evident at Chorley as they created chances without scoring.
And that was partly down to the continued absence through injury of 22-goal leading scorer Ashley Stott who Jemson believes will be a better player next season.
“Ashley got 22 goals and has done well in his first season,” said Jemson.
“He is enthusiastic and I think he will get better.
“But he is the kind of player you have to put your arm round and I don’t think he has had that. He will come back and prove to people what a good player he is.”
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Friday 10 February 2012
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