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Joe Healy insists playing the odd game for different clubs this season isn’t awkward for him.
The former Welling midfielder has turned out for Dartford, Beckenham and – most recently in Monday’s play-off final – Tonbridge this season.
Signing on non-contract terms for teams in different leagues means there have been no rules broken.
But Healy is happy to be wanted, and was glad to help Tonbridge edge a step closer to promotion.
“It’s a strange set-up just coming to play in the final,” said 32-year-old Healy.
“But Steve (McKimm) asked, I know Tom Parkinson well, and they said can you sign just in case. They’ve had a few injuries and Steve called me at the start of last week.
“I couldn’t play (at Haringey) on Thursday but I was able to make Monday.
“I didn’t want to play in front of other people but he said they were desperate for cover in midfield and I’d be helping them, so I couldn’t say no.
“It’s not awkward. At the end of the day it’s a game and people want to win. If you think a certain way to do it will help you then as a manager and a team, you do it.
“I know a couple of the players but they were super welcoming. You get a bit of grief but that’s what you want, it helps you fit in a bit quicker doesn’t it!”
Healy came on early in the second half and fitted perfectly into Tonbridge’s midfield on his debut, as you’d expect from a player of his class.
He’s never been blessed with pace, by his own admission, but Healy believes the lack of games he has featured in this season has kept him fresh and ready to go when called upon.
“I’m always blowing, you’ve seen me play for years!” he joked.
“As I’ve got a bit older, playing the odd game has been a bit easier because I’m fresher.
“If I was playing four games a month then I think I would struggle, that freshness helps when it is a one-off and I do a lot of running on my own.”
Like a T20 cricketer playing in different franchises around the world, Healy admits it is nice to be asked to help out by clubs around the county.
Work and family commitments mean he no longer has the time to devote playing a full season for one club.
“I’ve found a niche market!” he laughed. “I don’t know how well it sits and if it’s awkward for people but I don’t really want to play 40 games a season at the moment.
“It is probably a strange concept to a lot of people but I like playing football, I just don’t want to commit to doing it every week.
“If I can be of assistance or help out, then I’m more than happy to. I’m always open to offers.
“I don’t know If I will carry on doing it like this next season. It has to fit around my life I guess, I suppose that is a bit selfish, but I’ve played non-league for over 12 years now.
“It is nice to wind down, I would maybe prefer to stop completely but I’m too vain to turn down a good offer every now and again.
“It’s lovely, what a chance to play a game like this one. I’m very fortunate.
“I did enjoy it – and I got a winners’ medal. I’m glad they won, glad we won!”
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