ALAN REEVES admits he would love to join the growing ranks of young managers in the game and aims to use the next two years at the County Ground to help prepare him for the transition to becoming a 'gaffer'.

The 36-year-old defender is hoping for a player-coach deal which will take him through to the end of the 2005-6 season.

Reeves will be offered at least another year having played the number of games specified in his contract to trigger the offer of another year.

However, he is hoping his manager can persuade the powers that be to sanction a two-year player-coach deal.

Reeves joked: "Money won't be an issue. I'll be paying them."

The club's reserve team boss loves a joke but he is deadly serious about succeeding as a coach and then as a manager.

Andy King has told Reeves that his services on the pitch will be required a good deal less next season but the defender isn't about to start complaining.

He said: "You have to be realistic about the playing side.

"This time next year I'll be 37 going on 38.

"Hopefully I won't play as many games next year though.

"If I don't it means the lads out there will be doing the business.

"If I am having to play it means there's either a serious injury crisis or a serious lack of form.

"Having said all that, you're a long time retired.

"If I pack in too soon I know I'll always regret it.

"I'll just play as and when I'm needed."

Reeves has enjoyed his first year as a coach and is hungry for more.

He said: "Not many people get an opportunity to start their coaching career at this level.

"They have to start with young kids and I'm not knocking that at all.

"I just mean I appreciate the opportunity I've been given here at this level and I intend to grasp it.

"I would like to get a little bit more involved in the coaching but it's difficult when you're actually taking part in the warm up and the session you've organised.

"You need to establish your own style as well as taking on board bits you've learned from people in the game."

Town manager Andy King shouldn't start to worry about his own position just yet but Reeves admits he would like to manage one day.

He said: "People like Dennis Wise and Iain Dowie have adapted well to management.

"It would be nice to be my own boss one day, to have the buck stopping with you.

"I'm not ready yet but who knows in a couple of years' time.

"It might be Reevesy the manager.

"This year has given me a glimpse of just what the gaffer's role is and how much work goes on behind the scenes. It hasn't put me off though."

Manager King has confirmed that Reeves is likely to be a less familiar face on the teamsheet next season.

He said: "Alan Reeves will take up more of a coaching role.

"I have been the biggest fan of Reeves and stuck by him."

King has told Reeves that if the defender is still at the forefront of his playing plans for the new season then it won't represent the progression that he wants.