Former Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda, 45, is managing in the ninth tier of English football and has revealed his ambitious plan to reach the EFL within ten years.

The iconic defender graced White Hart Lane between 2006 and 2008, and took the reins at Skelmersdale United earlier this season.

Chimbonda, who netted four goals in 98 appearances following a £4.5million switch from Wigan, was part of the PFA Team of the Year prior to his move and helped Spurs clinch the Carabao Cup in his final season. After stints with Sunderland and Blackburn in the Premier League, he dropped down the divisions but is now aiming for managerial success.

Having joined Skelmersdale as player-manager last October, he made his debut this year and has since played four times, overseeing 8 victories in 33 matches. Despite the challenges, the fan favourite is already setting his sights on becoming an established EFL boss within the next ten years.

“Look, in some ways, it's good for me to start from scratch, at the bottom, and make a name for myself, step by step, climbing and climbing," he told Ladbrokes Fanzone. "And if I have to do that, then I will, because my dream is to one day be on the bench of a professional club.

“In 10 years from now? I want to be managing in the EFL. League Two, or maybe League One, or if I can be an assistant manager, or in the backroom staff at a Premier League club, of course that's right up there as one of my dreams.

“I learn every day, you know. I watch as much football as I can, from across so many different leagues and levels. I love watching group sessions, I love one-to-one sessions. This is what I live for now.

“This game is my life, you know. It's always been that way, since I was young. I'd wake up and play football; it didn't matter what the weather was doing, or what the ages were of the people I'd play against. I just loved being involved in football, and I still do now... you know, I can't picture myself doing anything else.

“I just have a love for the game, and it's something I want to pass on to others. That's why I coach. I love teaching people, and helping people reach their potential. I actually think I love this job more than I loved playing.”

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