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BILLY DODDS has taken his fair share of blows from the game he loves but admits he's still desperate to get back into football.
The former Rangers hitman was dumped by Dundee United back in 2006 despite winning his only game in charge as caretaker manager.
He then had a successful spell working as assistant to Gordon Chisholm at Queen of the South before the pair moved to Dundee.
But he was put on the dole by the Dens Park side after the club went into administration just seven months into his job.
You would think that would be enough to put most people off the sport for quite a while. But not Doddsy.
In fact he's itching to take on a new coaching role in the game he made his name in and revealed he'd take whatever post is going.
The 41-year-old ex-Scotland striker said: "I want get back into football as soon as possible. I've never been more ready to get back into management than I am now.
"Whether it's as my own man or back with Gordon as his No.2, I want back into the game.
"I've had a taste of it at Dundee United, Queen of the South and Dundee. I want more."
United owner Eddie Thompson sacked Chisholm in January, 2006.
Dodds took over for the Arabs' 2-1 victory against Falkirk and he felt he had a chance of landing the job but Craig Brewster was appointed.
Thompson has since died after losing a battle against cancer and Dodds said: "I've been unlucky. I was told if Craig hadn't taken the Dundee United job then I would have been given it until the end of the season.
"But Eddie wanted instant success. When he got rid of Gordon we were almost in the top six. That was decent and we would have improved.
"Eddie wanted a lot of things yesterday and he admitted afterwards he was too quick to get rid of us.
"My managerial career could have taken a different path. I know every gaffer who is out the game has a hard luck story. But I'd just a love a fair crack of the whip the next time.
"I'm not bitter though. I love the game. It's in my heart and I know I can do it. People might say I'm daft for wanting back but I don't care."
Dodds has picked up plenty from respected coach Chisholm who was appointed Dundee manager in March.
The duo were promised so much but were left short changed as the club ended up in administration.
Dodds and Chisholm were casualties of the financial mess and Dodds said: "The final day is like a blur. But it was inevitable.
"We knew we'd be the first to go as we were the highest wage earners.
"I knew I was going to lose my job and that was painful."