Graham Turner discussed new Shrews role

The 65-year-old considered stepping aside during the course of last season to guide a younger appointment through a difficult phase for the club.

But he has decided to guide Town into his fourth campaign since returning to the club three years ago, although he has not agreed a new contract with chairman Roland Wycherley.

The director of football position is more common in European football, but several experienced managers, including Crewe's Dario Gradi and Steve Coppell at Crawley, are in such posts in the lower leagues.

Turner, himself, assumed the role alongside his duties as chairman at former club Hereford in 2009.

When asked if he could see himself in it again, Turner said: "That was a possibility last season, just putting to one side the tracksuit and becoming a director of football.

"But I've decided to continue in the role of manager. Whether I take the other role in years to come I don't know. There is a lot in life I want to do, but with football you don't get the time.

"There will come a time when I retire and I want to spend a few years spending time doing things I've always wanted to do."

Before he quit as Hereford boss to allow current Town assistant John Trewick to take the reins at Edgar Street, only Sir Alex Ferguson, who is six years Turner's senior, boasted greater longevity in the English game.

Turner said:?"Sir Alex is a remarkable man and he has an absolute fantastic record. I will just continue to work as long as I enjoy it.

"The day you stop enjoying it is the day to get out. The frightening part about it is how fast it has gone!

"I have had some great times over the years as a manager, not least when we finally won promotion."

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury youth defender Dominic Smith won his first cap for Wales under-19s in a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland at Airbus Broughton last night.