Ex-Middlesbrough and Birmingham defender joins Hartlepool United

Parnaby, who was forced to retire earlier this season, is the club's pre-rehabilitation and conditioning coach.

The 33-year-old's appointment enhances an extensive staff, spearheaded by head physio Ian Gallagher and conditioning coach, Craig Hubbard.

Parnaby was a highly-rated defender in his playing days with Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, but his appearances were severely restricted by a catalogue of injuries.

And the Durham man feels his experiences of countless absences and rehabilitations will help players on the road to recovery.

Indeed, Parnaby has already been working with the Pools squad this season on a voluntary basis.

Parnaby was one of Colin Cooper's signings at Pools in the summer of 2014, but played only five times because of injury.

"I’m passionate about this and I love being involved in it," he told www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk

"If I didn’t then I wouldn’t have been working voluntarily this season.

"I have years of my own experience and hopefully I can help any injured lads go the right way about rehabilitation.

"Buster (Gallagher) had it pretty much nailed-on but I like to think I can bring a few of my own ideas, from being at clubs like Middlesbrough and Birmingham.

"From being a player you have a lot more understanding of what lads want and need, and at what times.

"I am still learning obviously and it’s been a quick transfer from player to staff member.

"But Buster has been unbelievable with me and taken me under his wing a lot.

"It all came about really from being injured here and wanting to have as much input as possible in to my own rehabilitation.

"Buster let me do that, alongside his guidance, of course."