KARL Marginson believes he can help Radcliffe FC progress up the football pyramid.

Installed as the club’s new director of football operation, the former FC United boss intends to draw on his experience with the Rebel Reds to aid Jon Macken’s improving side.

Fourth-placed Boro face a crunch home clash with Evo-Stik West leaders Atherton Colls on Saturday knowing they can claw back some ground on their local rivals, and remain two games in hand.

But while the immediate future looks promising at the Neuven Stadium, Marginson wants to use his knowhow in the non-league game to reinforce the first team’s success.

“It’s an exciting time and there’s no reason why we can’t push on,” he said. “We started the season in the right position and we’re in the play-offs now with a couple of games in hand.

“When the owners came in a couple of years ago I had a meeting with them when I was at FC United just in an advisory basis.

“Commitment to developing young players is something they feel really strongly about and it’s something I have seen since I have been here and something I want to develop.

“The first team is in a fantastic position at the minute, they’ve won their last three games on the bounce, had a fantastic start, the youth team is top of its league and there’s no better time to develop even further.

“The first team is results-based but what goes on beneath it is trying to continue growth. If you can produce your own players – we all hear the stories about finding gems, the Jamie Vardys, and it’s something any non-league club can strive for.

“It’s achievable. Everyone can see that if you put the hard work in and have the structure in place these things are not impossible.”

Marginson feels improvements can be made in scouting, player analysis, youth development and mentoring which will help Boro become a more rounded club in the future.

Chairman, Paul Hilton added: “Karl’s expertise will be a huge asset to Radcliffe Football Club as we look to the future to grow into a consistent, sustainable and successful football club. Karl shares the vision of the board and has the expertise to help us deliver it.”