Former Hearts manager Jim Jefferies insists he would not rule out a return to the game at the age of 65.
The vastly experienced coach has been out of work since leaving his dugout post at Dunfermline in December 2014, but could still be persuaded to take on a mentoring role.
Jefferies stepped into management in the senior game with Berwick Rangers in 1988 before taking charge of Hearts – over two spells – Falkirk, Bradford City, Kilmarnock and then the Pars.
The highlight of his career was the 1998 Scottish Cup triumph after Hearts beat Rangers.
Jefferies, who has already turned down an approach from local Lowland League outfit Gala Fairydean, helped conduct the Irn Bru Cup third round draw at the Kelpies yesterday and admits he is not ready to fully commit to retirement.
He said: “I said when I left I wanted a complete break from it for a while, but I’m keeping up to date with it.
“If someone catches me and it’s something that interests me then I would consider it, I’m not actively looking or applying for jobs.
“I’m mostly watching football on the television although I’ve seen Gala Fairydean twice because they’re quite close to where I live. They tried to get me involved but it didn’t work.
“If somebody wants to use all the experience that I’ve got from over the years to help them, then I might agree to it. You never know.
“You do miss the day-to-day stuff although there is also a lot of it you don’t miss.
“I’ve been very fortunate in it because of all the years I’ve been in it, there has been very little time that I’ve been out of a job.
“I’ve got other things that take up my time now too. I’ve got a grand daughter that I look after because her mum is back to work.
“We get her a couple of days and it’s getting on with other things that you never had time for before, plus a bit more golf.”
*Alloa manager Jack Ross also attended yesterday’s draw and admits the Wasps’ flawless start to the campaign has restored his confidence in his own ability.
The 40-year-old was released from his Under-20s coaching position at Hearts last October and took over at the Indodrill stadium two months later.
Alloa, who were drawn with fellow League One rivals East Fife – whom they play tomorrow, have won their opening seven games in all competition – including Betfred Cup victories over Inverness and Ross County.
Ross said: “This opportunity has been good because it’s allowed me to try and do things I wanted to do, but equally it has restored a bit of faith in my abilities as well.
“If people in the game say they never have that then they’re not telling the truth because as a player you have it, whether you’re released or rejected.
“It’s human nature and you’d have to be thick-skinned not to be affected. It’s the same in any coaching or management role.
“It was nice to get in so quickly after Hearts.
“It’s a good fit for me, I really love the job. We’ll have some bumps but I don’t think that will affect how I enjoy the role.”
Irn Bru Cup third round draw:
Alloa Athletic v East Fife
Brechin City v Dunfermline
Dundee United v Peterhead
Turriff United v Hibs
Falkirk v Elgin City
Forfar Athletic v Raith Rovers
Queen of the South v Stenhousemuir
Stranaer v Dumbarton
Livingston v Celtic Colts
Albion Rovers v St Mirren
Ayr United v Airdrieonians
Queens Park v Morton
Dates for ties: September 3/4
