Paul Bryson, who played 19 consecutive seasons in the Northern League, is enjoying his time so much in the Wearside League that he aims to turn out until he is 40!

A couple of months ago Bryson stood down as player manager of Chester-le-Street because he felt he could no longer combine the role with that of coach to Sunderland's Under-13 Academy.

"It was really too much to try and do two jobs.

"Chester-le-Street play a fair number of games on Tuesday nights which clashed with my duties at Sunderland.

"I felt it hard to leave the Cestrians but I was given a new lease of life by Birtley Town manager David Smith and his assistant Paul Foster," declared Bryson.

Currently, the side is enjoying its best form of the season and at the weekend won for the sixth consecutive time, defeating Redcar Town, who had lost just once.

"I hope I am repaying the confidence which David and Paul showed in me when they asked me to sign.

"I am really enjoying playing in the Wearside League and despite being involved in management for five years at Chester-le-Street, I am not missing that side of the game," Bryson added.

After being released by Middlesbrough when 17, Bryson has played for Tow Law, Spennymoor United, Eppleton CW, Dunston Fed and Chester le Street and he admits that the results of the five clubs are the first he looks for.

"I have had a great time in the game and enjoyed playing in the Northern League but I am equally at home in the Wearside League. People tell me I've got a smile on my face on Saturday afternoons which says it all."

Bryson is hoping that he can help Birtley Town into a top six position and win at least one cup.

The side is through to the quarter finals of three competitions.

They will meet Stanley United at home in the League Cup, Whitehaven away in the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup and host New Marske in the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup.

"I am really up for the challenge even though I'm 38.

"I'll see what happens at the end of the season but I believe I could play until I am 40," enthused Bryson