Being a player in the NASL has its difficulties.  So does being a coach.  However, doing both at the same time is a completely different challenge.  Greg Shields has spent 2012 as a player-assistant coach for the RailHawks, and he has loved every bit of it.

Shields insists that on the field, he is just “another one of the boys.”  If he’s doing something wrong, RailHawks Head Coach Colin Clarke has no problems letting him know just as he would for another player. 

However, the challenge of the role is usually behind the scenes.  Whether he’s in the locker room, or one of the players approaches him elsewhere, Shields admits that sometimes it’s difficult to draw the line between player and coach. 

“The players come and see you, they talk about what happened on Saturday, that’s when I put my coaching hat on and try to be as diplomatic as possible,” said Shields.  “It’s difficult because I’ve always been fiery in the locker room, but I’ve learned not to be personal.  The guys need someone to talk to and as a coach, they’ve got to respond to you.”

Shields found his way back to the starting lineup against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on August 11.  It was the first time in four months that he played 90 minutes.  After having a spinal fusion last year, Shields’s body has had its ups and downs, but ultimately, reaching match fitness and having experience in the back helped him return to the field.

Whether he’s on the field or on the sidelines for the last seven RailHawks games, Shields’s goal is to make sure the team is best equipped to win the NASL Championship.  If he can help the team come together and continually improve, there is no reason for Shields to step away from the field any time soon.

After turning 36 this week, Shields has been thinking more about his future.  He plans to play as long as his body can handle it and would love to continue coupling the responsibility with that of a coach.

“I’ve got a great job and I love coming in to training,” said Shields.  “I said that when I was 16, and I still love it.  This year had new challenges with playing and coaching, but I’ve loved every minute of it, and it’s something I want to keep doing.”