CWMBRAN Town's influential skipper Sean Wharton has reluctantly admitted he's hanging up his playing boots.

But the 34-year-old has vowed he would assist Crows boss Brian Coyne on a bit-part basis in an emergency if the Welsh Cup finalists were hit by a sudden injury or suspension crisis.

Wharton will now help Coyne coach Cwmbran's Welsh Premier League squad with a view to taking his UEFA coaching badges.

Fans' favourite Wharton has been forced into semi-retirement due to continual ligament problems in his right knee - an injury that, if he kept playing, could hinder him further in later life.

Wharton initially had trouble with the knee during his time as a trainee at Sunderland, where he damaged his cruciate ligament. The knee was then reconstructed back in 1989 but a further 14 years of playing has taken its toll.

His absence will be a massive loss to Cwmbran. He was a tenacious, battling midfielder and was a major part in Town winning the inaugural League of Wales Championship in 1992/93 and finishing runners-up in 2000/01.

And father-of-five Wharton conceded last night: "I've hung up one boot so to speak.

"I have not totally given up, I will play if Brian is desperate and has a number of players injured or suspended.

"But I will concentrate this season on coaching the lads. I don't profess to be the world's greatest coach but I'm honest and I've got a lot of experience I can offer the players to help them progress.

"As long as Brian Coyne and John Colley (Cwmbran chairman) want me, I'll be here to help. I've been at the club ten years, on-and-off, and I love the place. I enjoy coaching and being a part of Cwmbran Town.

"I am sad that I'll have to stop playing regularly but I'm philosophical. I've had a great career and I really like coaching, it's different and an excellent challenge for me."