Two New Jobs And A Baby - Robbie Is Loving His New Life

“We’d had a difficult season and when Rod Stringer left in late January I agreed to step in and help,” said the Chelmsford City manager, 35.

“We lost our first two matches and it was an eye-opener. I was asked my longer-term thoughts and I remember I joked with the chairman that there was no chance! I had a lot going on.

“I kept going and before long we were at league leaders Wealdstone. They had dropped two points at home all year. We won 1-0 and things changed, it was a big moment.

“It wasn’t just the result. It was seeing what it meant to the players, and how they had reacted. It wasn’t only the winning, it was seeing them improve and them telling me how much they were enjoying it.

“It said to me that the players probably wouldn’t appreciate someone else coming in.

“I’ve done my UEFA B Licence but to be totally honest I have never really thought that much about management. The coaching side didn’t overly appeal but I can’t deny I found a buzz these last few months. It’s hard to describe.”

While millions are twiddling their thumbs at home as the world gets to grips with what’s going on, the same certainly can’t be said of Simpson.

Leaving the professional game behind after his exit from MK Dons in the summer as a promotion winner, he worked relentlessly to put the finishing touches on his next career move whilst turning out for Chelmsford in the National League South.

Oh, and something else was about to change his life as well.

“It’s a very different life I was leading to the one I had less than a year ago,” he said. “We had our first child in January. Rosie is incredible. She is sleeping well and keeping us very entertained during the day.

“It’s like extended paternity leave, so I can’t complain too much about being in the house. We all want the world to go back to normal soon but we know what the most important thing is and we can’t lose sight of that.

“I’ve also just qualified as a financial advisor so it’s a busy time for me. The start to 2020 has been a total whirlwind!”

He hopes and thinks the current crisis may help convince players at all levels to think longer-term.

He added: “I went to university before turning pro. My route into football wasn’t the usual one but it’s something I wouldn’t change for the world.

“I studied while professional late in my career and have been able to push ahead with that in the last 12 months when I went semi-pro.

“You need to keep options open, and one of my roles with the academy when I came here was to create an identity. You need to remember that most young players don’t make it - the stats back that up.

“So something to fall back on is so important.”

One young player he thinks has a great chance in the game is Dan Imray.

The 16-year-old is fast approaching double figures in a Clarets shirt and the new boss is massively impressed.

“He’s an example to a lot of young players,” he said. “We chucked him in during a friendly game a few months ago and I played alongside him.

“Instantly I said he is ready. He has lots to learn but he is someone who has so much potential, ability and the attitude to do something in the game.”