DARWEN manager Steve Wilkes finds it hard to sit on the sidelines - but not as hard as playing two games a week!

The 34-year-old spent the majority of last season on the injury list and, after moving into a managerial role at the post office rather than a delivery job, he has seen his fitness wither away.

Wilkes is back in the first team of the NWCL Division Two side this season but it is not particularly agreeing with him.

"My groin's been killing me," said the right-back, whose side face Bootle at home tomorrow and are going on a 'team-building exercise' - a booze-up - to Blackpool tomorrow night.

"They say I am getting too old but once it's in the blood you can't sit there and watch and I know I can do better than some others out there!

"I can't stand it when I see these young lads pulling out of 50-50 challenges because they're scared of getting hurt - I wish I was 17 again.

"Look at David Barnes, he is 40 but he was still out there on Tuesday against Colne and he was outstanding. There are not enough people like that."

Wilkes says he tries to stay away from favouritism - towards himself. "I have my assistant Matt Atkinson on the sidelines who will tell me if I'm rubbish."

Wilkes hopes to have Andy Walsh (Achilles) and Matt Anderton (holiday) back in contention.