Mark Boyd is enjoying his managerial role with Shildon AFC this season as they look to make the FA Cup first round.

The Railwaymen, packed with Cumbrians representatives, will face National League Guiseley at Nethermoor Park today (3pm kick-off).

Former Carlisle United, Barrow and Workington Reds man Boyd is the assistant to Shildon's manager Daniel Moore, alongside Micky Barron.

Player-boss Moore is still instrumental on the pitch, which often leaves Boyd dictating from the sidelines.

"Daniel plays all the time, pretty much every game. So, myself and Micky are on the sidelines," Boyd said.

"I do enjoy it. I miss playing, though. But what can I do? You have just got to accept when your time is up.

"It’s one of those where I do really enjoy it but, once it gets to 3 o’clock on a Saturday, you want to be on the pitch. It’s different because we have our own WhatsApp group which is all about picking teams and talking about games after they have been played."

Boyd has been named on the substitutes bench, but admitted he has no plans to return to playing on a regular basis.

The 35-year-old said: "I still join in. I have been on the bench a couple of times, but it will be desperate measures if they have to put me on now!

"I would always help out but, with the squad we've got, they won’t need me."

Asked whether he would ever return to the managerial hotseat himself, Boyd added: "Who knows? I do love what I do. I want to stay involved in football.

"I would love to be a manager if I get the chance, but who knows? It’s a great experience for me. I have been the manager at Celtic Nation, but that was seeing a season through as best as we could.

"It’s a different story at Shildon, we're at the right end of the league. I'm quite happy at Shildon, it’s a great little club."