IT'S not unheard of for a retired professional to set up his own coaching school, but for a footballer whose career is still very much in its early days to do so is much more surprising.

But that is the step former Hartlepool United goalkeeper Jim Provett has taken, after being forced to consider his future following last season's frustrations at Victoria Park.

Despite a confidence in his own ability and after building a reputation for himself as one of the brightest goalkeeper talents in the lower leagues between 2003 and 2005, Provett was left fearing his days in the professional game were over.

He was voted the club's player of the year in 2004 and won the North-East save of the season award in the same campaign for a stunning reaction stop at Victoria Park in a game with Wycbome Wanderers.

Now, after completing a move to Bury in League Two in the summer, he is determined to rebuild his career after being released by the club where he was nurtured from the age of 14.

Nevertheless, despite his fresh start, Provett has decided to continue to juggle his playing days at Gigg Lane with a new career in coaching goalkeepers.

It was never previously something he had considered but it will give him something to work on when he does eventually hang up his gloves.

"Before I joined Pools at the age of 14 I had never really had much specialised goalkeeper coaching, " said Provett. "Had I had something like this, what I am doing, then who knows where my career might have ended up. It's nice to give something back and if I can help bring on new goalkeeping talent then brilliant.

"I have two kids of my own, two girls, so I know how rewarding working with children can be. That's why I was so interested in doing something like this and I'm really enjoying it."

It was towards the back end of last season when Provett - finding it impossible to take the number one shirt at Hartlepool from Dimi Konstantopoulos - was approached about the seven-year old scheme.

The founder of just4keepers, Ray Newland, contacted the 24-year-old to discuss the possibility of him setting up his own franchise.

And, having discussed the situation with his wife Natalie, he decided to give it a go. "It's the biggest specialised goalkeeper group in the UK and we feel that we are really helping develop new talent, " he said.

There are only two just4keepers courses in the North-East and Provett's school covers most of the region to the south of Newcastle.

Sunday mornings cater for the ages of seven through to 17, while he is also looking to expand and hold one on a Wednesday night.

Provett's sessions are currently held in his hometown, Billingham, although he has plans to broaden out as far as Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, as numbers and interest increase.

"I'm trying to establish in the east side of the North-East first, although I have every intention of taking classes beyond Darlington if there is a demand for it, " said Provett.

"I have ten places left on a Sunday class at the moment, after starting again this season following a successful time last season, while if I can get 16 I will also hold one on a Wednesday night."

There is a cost for embarking on the course with Provett. For an initial £40 fee, children will be given a month's sessions and a just4keepers jumper.

The first session will be free.

Anyone interested in joining contact Jim Provett on (01642) 565014.