FORMER Nottingham Forest star Gary Charles has been tempted back into coaching by Sutton Town's 'crazy gang' spirit.

The full-back served Forest with distinction in the late 80s and early 90s under Brian Clough.

He played in the FA Cup Final of 1991 and was famously the victim of a reckless tackle by Paul Gascoigne that saw the England midfielder sustain a serious knee injury.

Charles went on to play for the likes of Leicester City, Derby County, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Birmingham City.

He also had a spell with Portuguese giants Benfica and moved clubs for combined transfers fees of £4.4millon.

Times have not always been happy for Charles though as he later confessed to battling against alcoholism and served time in prison for drink-related incidents.

But he is now back involved in the game he loves at the humble surroundings of The Fieldings after accepting a coaching role alongside manager Danny Bryant at the Snipes.

It came about after Charles helped out with coaching at the Central Midlands League club in the summer – and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

"It is good experience for Gary while he does his coaching badges and he has ambitions to coach higher up in the Football League," said Bryant.

"He is looking in the long-term to be working with an academy or reserve team.

"I also think he wants to give something back to football. He has obviously been a very good player in his time, but he has come down voluntarily, as is everyone at Sutton.

"If you have decent contacts in the game you have to use them and it's great to have Gary involved. He has been very well received by the lads.

"He has a lot of experience to offer and he is very keen.

"The good thing is that here we have a spirit like the 'Crazy Gang' of Wimbledon. There is a terrific team spirit and there is no ill-discipline.

"I have only signed players who want to learn and don't have a chip on their shoulders and Gary has seen that and can come in and work with them."

Charles' return has sparked rumours he might be about to turn out as a player for the Snipes.

But Bryant insists the 37-year-old is more likely to stay in the dug-out.

He said: "I think he might be looking to sign with us as a player just in case he is needed, he is certainly still fit enough.

"But it is mainly going to be on the coaching side, besides me.

"When you have nothing, as we do, it is difficult to attract people. You try to cajole as best you can, so to have Gary here is a great boost."

When Bryant took over at Sutton last season, they were struggling at the wrong end of the table, fourth from bottom.

But a brilliant run saw them to promotion and they are going well this time around as well.

Bryant hopes that Charles' arrival can make the club an even more attractive proposition for potential players and supporters.

"We are always looking for bigger crowds and more sponsorship, especially at this moment in time," he said.

"I have had to buy tracksuits myself for the lads and the players are here because they want to play – they aren't getting wages.

"If Gary coming on board can give us an extra bit of publicity that's great because we have the ambition."