Nuttell – who turns 40 later this year – is currently working hard to regain full fitness after being dogged by the aftermath of a hernia operation, plus groin and ankle troubles.

With this in mind, he has spoken to manager Tommy Taylor about remaining at the club but, at present, is taking on more of a
back-seat role.

He said: "Once you have football in your blood it's hard to give it up, although you know Father Time says it's slipping away.

"I'll never say never and will always want to play football, so that's why I've spoken to Tommy about being at the club but remaining as a bit more of a fringe player.

"If I can help out in any way, on the pitch or by passing on my experience, then I will.

"I think it's time for some of the younger lads to show what they've got."

Helping with youth development is something that means a lot to Nuttell, perhaps because he believes it was something he missed out on.

Last season he would join the youth academy players at the back of the team coach, treating them as equals and passing on advice whenever possible.

The former Peterborough, Wycombe and Kettering player also intends to continue spending his weekdays at the ground, training with the kids, and many of the matchdays with the team.

"Tommy wants me to remain involved and be around the dressing room, whether that's passing on advice or knocking somebody down a peg or two.

"I'm more than happy to do that. When I was a 16-year-old I don't remember anybody sparing me any time and you sit back and wonder how things may have turned out if that help was there.

"And I always want to help out at Boston United. It's my home town club and I remember watching my brother play for the club before playing here myself. Now my son's part of the Centre of Excellence."

Jordan, Nuttell's 13-year-old son, is also another reason why he has decided he needs a bit more of a break from the game.

"I've been doing this for 30 years, putting football first on Saturdays, now my son's at that age where I can help him out," he added.

With Kieran Leabon, Jon Froggatt, Paul Watts and Ollie Ryan offering competition for places up front, Nuttell – who has enjoyed four spells at York Street, including a Dr Martens title-winning campaign alongside Watts – feels the squad has the strength to succeed in the UniBond Premier Division.

However, if called up on merit or to fill gaps in the squad, Nuttell has warned his teammates that he has not lost his desire to win.

"If I'm picked then I'm going to want to be playing, not sitting on the bench – I'm not that sort of player," he added.