IT hasn't exactly been a summer of rest so far for Grimsby Town joint bosses Rob Scott and Paul Hurst.
As well as working to tie up deals for new signings ahead of the coming season, the duo have also been studying for their UEFA 'A' coaching licences.
Having started the course last year, Hurst went back to complete the qualification last month, while Scott has also begun to study for his qualification.
The UEFA 'A' Licence is one of the most respected coaching qualifications in the game, and is only taken by a small group of coaches every year.
Completion of the licence qualifies candidates to study for the UEFA Pro Licence, which is recognised as the highest qualification in football.
Speaking to the Telegraph before jetting off for a much-needed holiday, Hurst said: "There were some long days on the course but it has been enjoyable and useful.
"It's about gaining as much knowledge as you can and then making decisions based on that knowledge. It's down to me and Rob to decide how we want to go.
"Ultimately, it's a coaching course where you're looking at systems and players to try and expand your knowledge that bit further as coaches, managers and not just as former players."
Among those on the courses with Scott and Hurst was ex-York City boss Gary Mills, inset, and former Mariners striker Gary Jones.
And Hurst says the opportunity to network and share ideas with other like-minded coaches was just as useful as the tutoring they received.
He continued: "There was 29 people on mine and a similar number on part one of the course that Rob was on.
"So there was a lot of knowledge there and the subject was something that we're all particularly passionate about.
"There's not just one way to play the game and everyone on the course obviously had different ideas on how to play it.
"The more you speak to people who have had that experience and know the league, the better it is.
"As much as we learnt from the tutors, there was also a lot of networking that went on, because of the amount of football people that were brought together.
"You'd be foolish not to pick their brains."
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