From a tender age Anthony Hudson always wanted to become a professional footballer but he need not have worried — it was in his blood.

The 26-year-old is the son of Chelsea and England international Alan Hudson — one of the most skilful midfielders of his generation.

And while the former West Ham apprentice concedes his formative footballing years were overshadowed by his father's legacy, he is ready to carve out a career in coaching as Anthony Hudson ... and not the son of Alan.

"I was exposed to football at a very early age and learned a lot from watching my dad play," said Anthony whose side beat the Bermuda Hogges 1-0 earlier this week.

"Since I started coaching he has left me alone and let me make my own decisions and do things my way.

"Being the son of a famous footballer is difficult when you're trying to make it in the game as you always get people telling you that you'll never be as good as him.

"But I wouldn't change a thing about my upbringing and my experiences, good, bad or indifferent. They have made me who I am."

Although he still has plenty of playing years ahead of him, Anthony, who spent two years at NEC Nijmegan in Holland, harbours hopes of coaching at the highest level.

He recently completed his UEFA A License coaching badge in England and was on the same course as Sunderland manager and former Manchester United legend Roy Keane, Republic of Ireland coach Steve Staunton and Middlesbrough boss Garerth Southgate.

According to Anthony being able to chew the footballing fat with such esteemed names was almost as beneficial as gaining the qualification itself, although he believes the badge will stand him in good stead in the future.

"When Roy Keane talks you can almost hear a pin drop and you can see why he got Sunderland promoted to the Premiership during his first season in management.

"Even if I had failed the course, which was very expensive, it would have been worth the money just to have been able to pick their brains."

Seattle-born Anthony was put in touch with Wilmington Hammerheads through Bermuda Hogges co-owner Paul Scope and said he had been pleasantly surprised by the standard of the USL Division 2.

"It's a very physical league and the better teams are well-drilled and organised — that's what sets them apart," he added.

"So far we have struggled but we have a lot of new guys and as the Hogges will know it takes time for things to bed in.

"I have loved coaching the team and this is my career now and I want to take it as far as I can — I aim to coach at the highest level."