BOBBY Grant's career has taken him to seven different Football League clubs, but Oldham Athletic is to be his last.

For at the age of just 31, the striker has opted to make his first move into non league football as player/assistant manager of Radcliffe.

The versatile forward, who can play as a striker, attacking midfielder or winger, was on a season-long loan from Wrexham last year and made 29 appearances for Latics in all competitions, which took his professional career total to 466 appearances since he turned professional in 2006.

But Grant, whose last appearance for Latics came as a 70th minute substitute in the 1-1 draw at his former club, Scunthorpe, in March said it was time for a new challenge and agreed to be manager Lee Fowler's number two at Northern Premier League Premier Division side Radcliffe.

“I made the decision to retire from professional football. I want to pursue a coaching career and play, continuing with the transition," he said.

“I spoke to the manager here, Lee Fowler, and the chairman - the ideas they have got for the club were really, really exciting.

"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.”

And although he is new to management he hopes his vast experience as a player will make the transition smoother.

"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," he said, speaking to Radcliffe's official website.

“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.”

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.”

Fowler added: “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.”

And Grant, who scored seven goals for Latics last season, got off to a good start, scoring in a 3-0 on his Radcliffe debut against Irlam in a pre-season friendly.