FORMER Bolton and Blackburn striker Matt Jansen has made a shock return to football with Leigh Genesis.
The 31-year-old has agreed a deal to become player-coach at the UniBond League Division One North side, linking-up again with former Blackburn Rovers team-mate Garry Flitcroft.
Having left Wanderers in April 2006, Jansen struggled to overcome psychological problems linked with a motorcycle crash in 2002 which left the former England Under-21 star in a coma.
He had a brief spell with Wrexham last season and had been training with Blackburn, but the offer of a coaching role in a less pressured environment proved too tempting an offer to refuse.
“I have had offers from Premier League and Championship clubs, but I want to get to the next chapter in my life,” he told The Bolton News. “I became disillusioned with football after the accident a few years ago but it is in my blood and I love it at heart.
“I want to take my badges now. The football side had become a bit frustrating for me but here there is a lot less pressure. I want to enjoy my football again.”
Leigh boss Flitcroft hailed his latest signing as one that “proved his intention” at the Leigh Sports Village. The Bolton-born ex-Manchester City star has targeted Conference football as a realistic aim and believes he can continue to attract players of Jansen’s calibre.
“This all came about because I saw Matt on Soccer AM and he was talking about going to Wrexham,” he said. “I gave him a call the next day and we spoke about him coming here in a coaching role.
“Matt coming here is superb for the club. I have known him for a long time, he’s a guy I respect and a fantastic footballer.
“It’s not just what he is going to bring to the team but also as a coach, with our younger players and kids, it will be immense for us.”
The 31-year-old has agreed a deal to become player-coach at the UniBond League Division One North side, linking-up again with former Blackburn Rovers team-mate Garry Flitcroft.
Having left Wanderers in April 2006, Jansen struggled to overcome psychological problems linked with a motorcycle crash in 2002 which left the former England Under-21 star in a coma.
He had a brief spell with Wrexham last season and had been training with Blackburn, but the offer of a coaching role in a less pressured environment proved too tempting an offer to refuse.
“I have had offers from Premier League and Championship clubs, but I want to get to the next chapter in my life,” he told The Bolton News. “I became disillusioned with football after the accident a few years ago but it is in my blood and I love it at heart.
“I want to take my badges now. The football side had become a bit frustrating for me but here there is a lot less pressure. I want to enjoy my football again.”
Leigh boss Flitcroft hailed his latest signing as one that “proved his intention” at the Leigh Sports Village. The Bolton-born ex-Manchester City star has targeted Conference football as a realistic aim and believes he can continue to attract players of Jansen’s calibre.
“This all came about because I saw Matt on Soccer AM and he was talking about going to Wrexham,” he said. “I gave him a call the next day and we spoke about him coming here in a coaching role.
“Matt coming here is superb for the club. I have known him for a long time, he’s a guy I respect and a fantastic footballer.
“It’s not just what he is going to bring to the team but also as a coach, with our younger players and kids, it will be immense for us.”
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