Trainee Professional Coren Hardy surprisingly joined Dr Martens Southern League side King's Lynn after his release by the Canaries in May 1998. Coren had narrowly failed to win a contract with Premiership side Southampton. Coren also had trials with Northampton and was said to interest Leeds and Leicester.

New Linnets manager Gary Mills informed Coren at the end of October 1998 that he did not fit into his vision of King's Lynn future. He was approached by Great Yarmouth Town manager Paul Tong but Coren stated a desire to remain in the Dr Martens League. However this was not to occur and in mid November, Coren and midfielder Glyn Roberts joined fellow former Linnet Matthew Wright at Diss Town of the Jewson Eastern Counties League.

Coren was sentenced to four and a half years in prison on August 11th 2001 for his involvement in the death of his best friend and fellow Norwich traineeTommy Henderson. Hardy crashed his car whilst under the influence of alcohol (twice the legal limit) killing Henderson. Coren had been training to become an independent financial adviser at Norwich Union as well as playing for Diss whom had just signed Henderson.

In the summer of 2002, Coren was allowed out on prison on license to play once again for Diss Town. In April 2003, he was named man of the match for his two goals against Great Yarmouth in the final of the Norfolk Senior Cup. He finished the season as Diss' top scorer with 34 goals, just edging out Andy Key who had 33.

In June 2006, Coren transferred to Wroxham along with Diss teammates Andy Key and Danny White. Coren made 9 starts and 3 sub appearances for Wroxham, scoring 5 goals, but was unable to secure a regular place in the side and so transferred to Mildenhall in early November 2006.

By July 2007, Coren was at Norwich United, playing for them on 14th July 2007 against Norwich City's Under-18s.