Will James Coppinger play on beyond the end of the season?

Coppinger is committed to retiring from professional football at the end of the campaign, despite producing another magical moment with his last gasp free kick to earn a point against Hull City.

And while he could not categorically rule out continuing his playing career at a lower level, the 40-year-old said he would be surprised if he did.

“I’ve been playing football professionally since I was 17 and I signed for Newcastle,” he told the Free Press.

“I absolutely love what I do and I’ve made no secret about that. I think that is what has kept me playing until 40.

“To just stop playing and not because of injury, it’s going to be difficult for me and it’s going to take a bit of time for me to get used to.

“The last five or six weeks not playing, when you’re not playing you, not forget about it but it’s less in your mind. That feeling you get when you’re playing and training, you haven’t got.

“I’ve really had a taste of what it’s going to be like. I’ve actually enjoyed it, not having that feeling of that pressure that comes with it all the time. I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been quite nice.

“At the same time I will miss it.

“And I think I’ll transfer it into something else, that pressure I need to feel, I don’t want to say it, bit to feel alive.

“A lot of people thrive off that and I really enjoy that.”

A likely home for Coppinger should he play on would be his local club Guisborough Town in the Northern Football League, the club where he is an ambassador.

But he insists that he has not considered that option either.

“I think the real test will be when the season finishes and seeing how the two months leading into the season will go,” he said. “Seeing the players going back for pre-season, seeing if it’s something I fancy doing, or having a game with some mates or someone asks me to go down and I enjoy it.

“You never know but I would be surprised if that happens.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.