DARREN Ward’s protracted conclusion to his Swindon Town career got me thinking about probably my favourite aspect of his time at the club – his two-game spell as joint player-manager.

Not because I’m a big fan of 1-1 draws at home to Preston North End - but simply for the reason that it provides an excuse for me to profess my love for player-managers.

The role is such a novelty appearance in football these days it takes me back to the fuzzy Match of the Day VHS-era of my youth, watching the likes of Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli and Attilio Lombardo controlling proceedings from the pitch.

I think the idea of a player-manager appealed to me as little boy in the back garden with dreams of being the hero. What can be more glorious than being both the tactical mastermind and the star player?

On second thoughts, perhaps it is more sinister, a psychological mask for a dictatorial complex, a desire to be the man in charge of everything.

Of course Town have had their own procession of on-field gaffers - Lou Macari, Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle and Steve McMahon - all enjoyed a hyphen in their title and no shortage of success.

Of late, the fashion for dual roles has somewhat dissipated. Until Carl Fletcher took over at Plymouth in 2011 there had been no player-managers in the professional game since 2007.

Around the turn of the millennium there had been plenty, with Andy Hessenthaler enjoying the longest run of combined duties, four years at Gillingham.

Last season in the Premier League there were two player-managers, Garry Monk and Ryan Giggs, the first time a player had combined managerial duties in the top division since 2000, when Stuart McCall took charge of Bradford for two games. Though only Giggs actually gave himself a run-out.

The Welshman also admitted he cried after his managerial spell came to an end, such was the pressure.

It is rare these days that the role is a successful one, perhaps for that very reason.

For all the prospects of glory, the flip side of player-management is if it all goes wrong, not only have you got to shoulder the managerial responsibility, but the pressures of maintaining your own form.

Returning to Ward he is well-known as a fitness fanatic and has no desire to retire so perhaps a return to player-management beckons.

I certainly hope so.