David Wetherall will not be part of Stuart McCall's backroom staff.

But the former caretaker-manager has no complaints with that.

As fans wait to see how the coaching set-up will pan out under McCall, Wetherall is happy to distance himself and return to playing duties after juggling both roles since February.

He said: "People might think I'm putting on a brave face but honestly I've got no issues with that.

"I will go back exactly to how it was before, although hopefully I will get involved with taking the reserves at some point, but I won't have an official coaching title and that's fine by me.

"I'm totally relaxed about it and this means I can go back to playing, which I'm very happy to do."

Wetherall sat down with McCall on Thursday to talk him through the work that has been going on behind the scenes since City's season finished a fortnight ago. But the big defender stressed he did not have the final say over the four players released at the end of last week.

Wetherall added: "I spoke to Stuart before things took a big leap forward but at a time when it was looking a distinct possibility. I passed on to him what we've been doing and I know he was very for that.

"The work was not just regarding players but things like training facilities and what we can do to improve that. It was basically all the information we've drawn up on a lot of aspects.

"Stuart will obviously make his own decisions but I'm sure it will have been a help."

Wetherall can understand the fanfare that has greeted news of McCall's impending arrival. And having previously backed his former team-mate for the job, he has no regrets about missing out on the job.

"I totally understand the club's reasons for choosing Stuart. I obviously know him from playing together and I've kept in touch with him since.

"People will think I'm disappointed but I couldn't really lose from the situation. If the chairman had wanted me to stay on as manager then I would have been delighted and honoured but otherwise I am perfectly happy to go and play again and continue my coaching education over a period of time.

"I've enjoyed the responsibility of the role and think I have learned a lot. It's given me more confidence for the future."