Elvis: I'm Not Ready To Be Boss

Feb 10 2008 By Mark Guidi

STEVEN PRESSLEY last night revealed he has knocked back chances to become a boss - because taking a job this early could see him end up on the scrapheap for good.

The 34-year-old Celtic defender admits his new role as part of George Burley's Scotland coaching staff suits him perfectly.

Inverness and Dunfermline had Pressley in their thoughts when searching for a manager this season but the player is happy to bide his time for now.

The former Hearts, Dundee United and Rangers star said: "I've had chances to manage but I'm not ready. You can be too desperate to take a job then be out of it in no time and find it difficult to get back in.

"If it doesn't go right the first time it could be a major problem. So you need to know you are ready.

"It's a demanding job and you must be clear what you want to do. I'm in no rush to become a No.1.

"Being involved in the Scotland set-up allows me to see this side of things at national level and should be a progression into management." Pressley has had a top job in mind since his teens when he enrolled for his first SFA coaching course.

He said: "I was 19 when I took my B licence. I then completed my A licence last summer which was a bit more complex.

"The next step is to get my UEFA pro licence and that can take around 18 months.

"I'd like to go abroad and watch different managers and training sessions.

"I enjoy finding out about the game and I've always asked lads at other clubs what their manager and training is like."

Elvis's Parkhead contract is up in the summer and he said: "I enjoy it at Celtic and I'd love to continue there. I'll discuss it with the gaffer at some point and I'd like to play at the top level for another three years.

"I've told George I want to be considered for the Scotland squad as a player if I'm doing well enough at club level."

Pressley enjoyed last week's get-together at Loch Lomond with Burley and assistant boss Terry Butcher.

He said: "I help George with training and bounce ideas off him about tactics and how we play. The decision to appoint Terry is a good one. The manager needs to trust his backroom staff and Terry gives him that."