Former Reading and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Jem Karacan is hoping to be “part of something exciting” after joining non-league side Radcliffe, writes Kieran Wilson.

The midfielder began his career at Reading, making more than 175 appearances during a eight-year spell with the Berkshire club.

He also had loan spells with Bournemouth and Millwall before heading overseas to join Galatasaray. Where he featured in a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

Karacan also had a loan spell at Bursaspor before returning returning to England to sign for Bolton in 2017.

The 33-year-old also had stints at Millwall and Central Coast Mariners, and was most recently at Scunthorpe.

He made 24 appearances during the 2020/21 League Two campaign as the Iron narrowly avoided the drop.

“I have been fortunate to play at the highest of levels and if I can just bring a little bit of help, guidance and experience to the lads on the pitch and help them perform better or be better around the place, that is all I can do,” said Karacan.

“It is one of the reasons I came here – I want to give back to the younger lands and help them go on to achieve similar things in the game.

“When I first met Bob (Bobby Grant) and the chairman, they are good guys. I have had a lot of experience in football and unfortunately finding good people in the game can be difficult at times.

“Right now in this stage of my career, that is exactly what I needed and they were huge for me to agree to come and join this project.”

When asked about his aims for the upcoming season, Karacan said: “Just to help this club get promoted.

“The way they are going about things is right – investing in the pitch and other aspects of the club and the area.

“I wanted to be part of something exciting and be on a journey, and really be part of it. This club is going somewhere and if I can help them achieve the next level, that will be brilliant.”