Behind every good team, there's usually a good coach.

And players at Dandy Town would say that Devarr Boyles is no exception.

Initially considered as only a temporary replacement following the retirement of Andrew Bascome at the end of last season, Boyles has quickly made his mark in the top flight.

And with the Hornets having booked a place in this Sunday's Friendship Trophy final against Somerset Eagles, he could be in line to receive some reward.

However, the Town stalwart is quick to point out how the past season has been a real "eye opener".

"Mental preparation is a bigger part of coaching now," noted Boyles. "Each individual player comes wired with their own problems as it relates to life and technique and I have to deal with all of that. I wouldn't say that I am not prepared for that but it was a real eye opener this year compared to my previous experience which was more technical. Now it's both technical and mental, trying to get the most out of people and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits."

Boyles conceded how coaching among former peers presented a challenge within itself.

"It's not my time as it relates to coaching some of the players that I previously played with," he added. "That's always a challenge and very difficult going from player to coach and trying to bridge the two. But overall, at this particular point, I think that I am better prepared for the experience. I still feel that I am just starting in the game as it relates to coaching."

The former Bermuda international midfielder also says he's not quite ready to quit playing.

"I definitely still want to play. I don't think that I'm done yet. I probably won't play as much as I did in the past," he said. "But I would've liked to have played in more games this past season."

Boyles said that a lack of adequate conditioning eventually forced his decision to remain on the sidelines.

"The opportunity did present itself but it was more about a lack of conditioning for me. Lack of conditioning really hinders things and if you have to prepare the team then a lot of times you just can't get around to do a lot of things that you are asking your players to do. You have to watch the product and ask your players to do a lot of things," he added.

Asked whether he was looking to coach on a long-term basis, Boyles replied: "It certainly looks that way. Once the season is over perhaps I can take two weeks off just to catch myself and deal with family, have a think and then talk to the club about some of my proposals and suggestions. And if there can be a marriage then we'll get married . . . if not the engagement is off!"

Boyles reckoned both Town and Eagles had much to prove in this week's final at the National Sports Centre.

"Both teams have a lot to play for and the team that puts in the most work will win," he said. "And hopefully it will be us as this now presents us with an opportunity to complete the season with something. And I'm sure the coach at Somerset Eagles probably feels the same way."