Deon Burton’s reggae reggae days are over but he is hoping to be a source of inspiration for Worcester City this season.
The former Jamaica striker, who played at the 1998 World Cup finals and spent two years in Azerbaijan, turns 39 this month and there are days he feels every bit his age.
But Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup third round qualifying tie at Solihull Moors and a promotion push with the National League North side has given him a new lease of life.
Solihull Moors v Worcester City
Emirates FA Cup third round qualifying
Autotech Stadium
3pm Saturday 10 October
Winning sides receive £7,500
“I’m feeling great,” Burton told TheFA.com. “Being around the younger lads has helped me feel young, and I still love the game, otherwise I would have packed it in.
“It’s a good compromise as it’s part-time so I can continue with my other interest which is coaching.”
Burton, who lives in Sutton Coldfield coaches Birmingham City’s Under-14s and also plays a part with developing players at Worcester, where he assists joint-managers Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner.
And the veteran of five Premier League campaigns with Derby County reckons there is no shortage of top-flight potential at Aggborough.
“It’s a young squad except for Lee Hughes, and he keeps himself very fit,” said Burton.
Holbeach United keeper Ricky Drury scores against Worcester City
“You’ll always find there is a diamond in the rough in this league. We’ve got a few at Worcester but I wouldn’t like to say who they are and put them under any pressure!
“It’s just about getting that opportunity to show your talent over a good length of time and get that chance to play at a higher level. At Worcester there are players who can do that, I’ve no doubt.”
Worcester have witnessed a lot of what the Emirates FA Cup has to offer over the past two seasons, last term defeating Coventry City in the first round and then losing out to Scunthorpe 14-13 in a tournament-record shootout.
Then they became a reluctant part in the story of last round, when they led Holbeach United into stoppage time only for opposition goalkeeper Ricky Drury to secure a replay with a stunning overhead kick.
Burton, who was on target as City won the rematch 2-0, said: “We’re definitely going to make sure we have two on the keeper when that happens! We’ve got away with it now and we won’t let it happen again.”
Solihull Moors provide Burton with a few familiar foes with ex-Aston Villa forward Stefan Moore in the squad, while Moore's former Villans team-mate Darren Byfield assists Marcus Bignot, who retains an involvement at Birmingham.
Deon Burton clashes with Argentina's Nestor Sensini
“It’s going to be tough as they’re top of our league but if you look at the last month we’re not doing too bad,” he said. “We won at FC United the other day so we’re feeling confident ourselves.
“If you look at my last four years I have either been promoted or been in the playoffs – I haven’t come here to have a dogfight.
“I’ve come to push for promotion and hopefully I can help the young lads push up through the league. We’ve got a good enough squad.”
Burton ought to know, having experienced more than most in football, not least when he helped the country of his father’s birth, Jamaica, reach France ’98.
Deon Burton celebrates Jamaica's qualification for the 1998 World Cup
The Reggae Boyz lost their first two group games against Croatia and Argentina and their 2-1 win over Japan came too late.
“It wasn’t until the second week when we were knocked out that it sunk in. I was sitting at home with my family, outside the bubble, and I just thought ‘wow,’” he said.
“As you get off the plane you don’t even go through customs. You just get straight on the bus and you are surrounded by security. You get treated like royalty.
“Everyone took us to their hearts because of the carnival atmosphere and the bright colours. We were everyone’s second-favourite team.”
Burton went on to win 56 caps for Jamaica, but he feared his career was coming to an end in 2010 when Tony Adams came calling.
The England legend had taken over as head coach at Gabala in Azerbaijan and convinced Burton, released by Charlton Athletic, to take the plunge.
“I thought my time as a player might have been up. I just thought ‘why not’? At the time I didn’t have a clue where it was but me and Tony sat down and had a chat and he sold the country to me.
“And it’s a lovely place. I’ve got lots of good friends from my two years who I stay in touch with.
Deon Burton guided Gillingham to promotion in 2013
“The lifestyle was very different and religion played a big part.
“On away trips we’d have to stop four times so one of the local lads could get off and pray.
“But then the capital would be hard to tell from London with your McDonald’s, KFCs and bars and restaurants. You’d be surprised – and I’d recommend it to any player who gets the opportunity.”
Burton knows he has more to offer Worcester than Azeri dinner recommendations and World Cup recollections, however.
“I just make sure I’m fit for a Saturday. If you speak to me on Sunday or Monday it’s a different story but when Saturday comes I’m ready.”
For now, retirement can wait.
