DARWEN striker Phil Baker has asked to take a back seat from playing this season.
The North West Counties League Division Two's former leading goalscorer ended the last campaign with just eight goals and has now offered to help the club in a coaching capacity.
Darwen boss Steve Wilkes said: "Phil's semi-retired now.
"He has signed and said he'd still come down to training every week and has offered to play if we're down on numbers.
"But he is 39 in November and has decided to cut down on playing."
Darwen return to pre-season training next week in preparation for a promotion assault.
They have organised pre-season friendlies away to West Lancs League First Division champions Coppull United on July 26, at Bamber Bridge on July 29, away to Fulwood Amateurs on August 2 and at Lostock St Gerard's on August 9.
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