Bury defender Efe Sodje - who has been at ten clubs - is basing his coaching methods on the best managers he has played for.

Sodje, 36, is working with the Shakers' Youth team, and paying special attention to the methods of manager Alan Knill, who resurrected his career.

Sodje said: "I have been watching the manager this season and I have learnt a lot from him. It's not just about coaching, but about how to handle players.

"The gaffer has got an unbelievable future in the game. He is my tenth manager, and he is in the top three of those I have played for."

"Sammy Mcllroy, Lennie Lawrence and Dario Gradi have also been good for me.

"I can take something from all of them to use myself. When I work with the Youth team, I think about what they would do, and I am testing those methods and seeing how they work."

Centre-half Sodje - who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup - has just had an operation to repair two crushed fingers.

Last season he played 41 League games for the Coca-Cola League 2 club, which ended in a Play-Off semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Shrewsbury Town.

Sodje added: "I came to Bury after being released by another club. People were saying to me about my age being a problem, but I have proved them wrong.

"I'm a fit lad. I went for a heart check-up last month and they said I was in good shape. I think I can keep going."

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