There’s no persuading Stuart Lewis to come out of retirement as his coaching career at Tottenham goes from strength to strength.

Lewis packed up at the end of the 2018/19 season, aged just 31, after accepting a full-time job working with Spurs under-16s.

The former Gillingham, Ebbsfleet, Maidstone and Dover midfielder has had offers to return but is sticking by his original decision.

He’s even had the chance to skip training and just play but that’s never been a realistic option for Lewis, who finished his career at Crabble under Andy Hessenthaler.

“I do miss playing,” said Spurs fan Lewis, who turned 33 in October.

“I miss the competitive edge, that first-team dressing room environment and the team spirit we had, especially at Maidstone playing in front of those crowds, but I really enjoy what I’m doing now.

“I had a massive opportunity to go and work at Spurs with players who’ve gone on to play for and be in and around the first team.

“It’s great to be in an environment like that and to learn from the coaches there. I look back and know I made the right call.

“I’ve had a couple of offers to come back from different places.

“I’ve got friends in the game but everyone who knows me knows I have to be all-in with something to give my best.

“I’ve always been one who throws myself into something 100 per cent, so to go and play without training regularly didn’t feel right. I wouldn’t want to take the place of someone who’s training every week.

“I’m a big believer that you train how you play. I couldn’t just be turning up for games. It wouldn’t sit right with me.”

Lewis, who also played in the Football League with Wycombe, keeps a close eye on his old clubs.

He added: “I’ve still got friends at Dover, I had a great time at Maidstone, and my dad still speaks to a lot of people there, and obviously Jack Paxman and Bobby-Joe Taylor are at Ebbsfleet, who I’m still good friends with from Maidstone.

“I keep a keen eye on all the Kent clubs, especially Gillingham as well, and it does feel weird at 3pm on a Saturday going through all the leagues, watching the scores coming in and not being involved.

“We play Saturday mornings with the under-16s so I’m either in a good mood or a bad mood, depending on how we’ve got on!”

Last week academy striker Dane Scarlett became the youngest player in Spurs history, making his first-team debut aged 16 years and 247 days in a Europa League tie against Ludogorets.

He’s a player Lewis knows well, along with midfielder Harvey White, a Maidstone lad, who also made his debut in the 4-0 win.

To see young players making the grade under Jose Mourinho adds to Lewis’ job satisfaction.

“You enjoy those moments,” said Lewis, who worked part-time at Spurs for four years before taking his full-time role.

“I worked with Dane from the under-13s and he was with me last season in the under-16s.

“He suffered a bad knee injury but he’s recovered well and he’s someone with really good potential. I'm really proud of him.

“Harvey is someone I worked with as an under-16 and he used to come and watch some Maidstone games. He’s done really well and I was pleased for him.

“It was a great moment for both boys and their families to see their hard work rewarded.

“As coaches, it’s a brilliant feeling to see those boys you’ve spent a lot of hours with get that opportunity.

“It’s what you work for, so these players can kick on and hopefully make a living out of football.”

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