EXPERIENCED former Scunthorpe United and Blackpool forward Bobby Grant has got off to a great start after joining Radcliffe as player-assistant manager.

The versatile 31-year-old, who can play as a striker, attacking midfielder or winger, has only just teamed with up with the Boro, and is experiencing his first taste of non-league, but already has two goals in pre-season two friendlies.

Grant scored on his debut, in a 3-0 win over Irlam, and then followed that up with a goal in Tuesday night's 4-2 win at Daisy Hill, where he helped Radcliffe come back from behind.

The move to the Neuven Stadium has brought about the Liverpudlian's retirement from professional football, having started out at Accrington Stanley in 2006 and had spells with six other clubs.

But it is a step that Grant is excited to take as he turns his attention towards a career in coaching and management.

And, although he is new to that side of the game, he hopes his vast experience as a player, with almost 470 appearances under his belt, will make the transition smoother.

"I feel as though for me to come in now to start a new chapter in my career and my life, I think it’s a great fit for me," said Grant, whose last Football League appearance came for Oldham Athletic in March, while he was on loan from Wrexham.

"I’ve always been part of the professional environment. I’ll bring a wealth of knowledge but I'll also help the team in regards to on the pitch, I can give them advice.

“I’m a shoulder to lean on to speak to about other things that’s great but I'll also lead on the pitch.

"The manager wants me to be a player, I want to still play and I’ll be leading on the pitch if I can. If not, I’m just here for what the manager wants me to do.

"I’m here to assist him first and foremost whatever way he wants me to help the team, that's what I’m here to do.”

Speaking to Radcliffe's official website, he added: “To come here is a new challenge, I've never played non-league football but it is something that I am so excited to be a part of.

“When the manager picked the phone up and had the conversation, the ideas and the trust that he has given to me, it was a no brainer then. I can only really look forward to the challenge. get in, hit the ground running with the team and go from there.”

Radcliffe boss Lee Fowler said: “He is a very experienced player, someone that I have obviously watched at numerous clubs. He is going to have a massive impact on the pitch for us.

"Obviously with the dual-role, it gives Bobby a chance to focus on coaching as well and it gives him a foot on the ladder.”