By Jack Staplehurst

FORMER West Ham United and Billericay Town striker Steve Jones has moved into coaching, taking on the role as new assistant manager at Burnham Ramblers.

The Ryman Division One North side have struggled so far this season and are at the wrong end of the table, but Jones is hoping his experience will help at both ends of the pitch.

The striker, 44, who played in two separate spells at Upton Park, has spent time earning his coaching qualifications since retiring from professional football because of injury in 2002.

Jones said: “It’s my first official coaching role after working at Tesco’s in Laindon for six years. “I’ve missed the game and I went down on Saturday and saw the dressing room banter and it’s a good laugh.”

Manager Bertie Brayley will be looking to benefit from Jones’ experience at the top level.

He spent five years at West Ham and also appeared for Charlton Athletic and AFC Bournemouth during a career that started out at Billericay Town.

And Jones, whose son Liam recently signed for the Hammers, is aiming to improve Burnham’s form after a slow start to the season.

“I really enjoy going to watch games and I’m looking forward to taking over with Bert,” said Jones.

“They’ve struggled so far with scoring and conceding, but I’m all clued up now with my badges on attacking and defending.

“I’ve spoken to Pottsy (Steve Potts) over at West Ham’s under-21s about it and we’re looking to build up the side over the next month and see how we go."

And Jones is keen to move into management if the opportunity were to arise in the future.

Jones added: “I really enjoy coaching and I’m looking to do as well as I can at Burnham. I’ve got my level one, two and euro badges but I’ll keep it at that for now and just go from there.”