JOHN White is relishing being part of another pre-season, as he builds up to another new campaign.

The big difference this time is that he is now the one putting players through their paces, rather than being pushed to the limit himself in his pursuit of fitness.

This summer is White’s first since he decided to hang up his boots as a player, at the end of last season.

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Now, the popular former Colchester United and Southend United defender is channelling all of his energy into coaching in his role as Braintree Town’s assistant manager, as they prepare for an exciting campaign in the National League.

White said: “It’s been good.

“For me, it’s obviously been slightly different coming out of the playing side of things and taking on the assistant manager role.

“It’s been a different pre-season to what I’ve been used to as a player, for so many years.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

“It’s been a big change and for the first time in many years, I didn’t need to keep myself fit over the summer knowing that a big pre-season ahead!

“It’s been nice to give my body a rest – I’m trying to find the balance of keeping fit myself but at the same time, passing on my experience and skills to work on a different level.

“It’s about working with the other staff members to put on the best sessions possible – it’s making sure it’s challenging but not too challenging.

“It’s been great for me to be focusing on the coaching and I’ve not had time to dwell on stopping playing.

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“It can be a big shock for players, when they come out of the game.

“It can be tough from a mental health point of view, adjusting to that change.

“But I’ve had a huge transition and it’s made it easy for me still having that great team aspect but now in a different role.”

White is enjoying his transition into coaching, following his decision to retire from playing in May.

The 38-year-old, who was part of the U’s team that won a historic promotion to the Championship under Phil Parkinson in the 2005-06 season, brought the curtain down on his time as a player that started at Colchester and spanned 22 years and more than 600 club appearances.

(Image: PAGEPIX)

“I look back now and wish I’d had a notebook and jotted things down about the coaching sessions I took part in as a player,” said White, who made more than 200 appearances for home town club Colchester.

“I had so many good managers and coaches as a player and it’s a case of remembering aspects of what they did and picking out the things that I remember.

“I took quite a lot from Phil Brown, my manager at Southend.

“There were little things that might otherwise get overlooked, like bits of sessions or little sayings.

“Phil Parkinson was such a good man manager to play under and that is something that has stayed with me, too.

“There are so many aspects of that off the pitch side of things that you can use, as you go along but you make your own style.”

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White is working as Angelo Harrop’s assistant at Braintree, where he finished his playing career.

The duo, along with coach Michael Brothers, go back a long way, to their days in the youth team at Colchester United.

“It’s great working alongside them,” added White.

“Angelo has so much determination, ambition and drive.

"He’s always looking to progress and move forward.

“We have very high standards and it won’t just be a case of dwelling on where we are – we won’t just be happy with not being relegated.

(Image: JON WEAVER)

“It’s about how we can progress both on and off the pitch.

“We’ve had to make a lot of changes off the pitch, this season and it’s about keeping the standards are high and making sure we are professional in what we do.

“We can’t wait for the new season to start.

“It doesn’t get any bigger than pitting your wits against Oldham Athletic away, on the opening day.

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“We’re under no illusions – we’re never going to have a massive squad but it’s about having the quality.

“We’re fully focused on the challenge ahead and it’s a case of making sure we start as we mean to go on.

“We’re really enjoying the way things are going and it’s exciting to see how our new players are gelling together.

“It’s a case of evolving as we go.”