New Grimsby Town signing Doig 'will lead on and off the field'

CHRIS Doig won't 'just' be a Grimsby Town player – after agreeing to support the Mariners' coaching team.

The former Nottingham Forest centre-half becomes the club's eighth summer signing today.

After impressing Paul Hurst and Rob Scott on trial in pre-season, the 32-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at Blundell Park.

And the joint bosses insist his support off the field will be almost as valuable as his presence on it.

"Chris is going to do a bit on the coaching side with us," explained Hurst.

"He did his A Licence coaching course in the summer up in Scotland, which is a bit different to what me and Rob have been doing down here.

"But he's got a good manner about him in how he speaks to players, and he's another voice, which is great because we've got a relatively small team of staff.

"First and foremost he's coming in as a player and still has a lot to offer on that side, but there will be times when we ask him to take some sessions.

"He'll be a massive presence on the pitch when he's in the team, but at the same time, he'll also be a good influence around the place generally.

"We've been impressed by his approach and the way he conducts himself, so we're getting a good player and another set of eyes to help me and Rob out."

Having initially joined Forest's Youth system from Queen of the South, Doig made his senior pro debut at Old Trafford on Boxing Day 1998.

Then aged 17, came off the bench in a 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United, who famously went on to win the treble that season.

Almost a century of appearances followed, before spells with Northampton Town and Aldershot Town sandwiched stays in Australian and Indonesian football.

Released by York City this summer, the defender clearly has a wealth of experience, which the Mariners co-managers are aiming to tap in to.

Hurst added: "From coming in on trial, Doigy has shown an excellent attitude and professionalism.

"We were really keen to get to that Scunthorpe friendly and have a proper look at him as a player.

"No disrespect to who we played before that, but I could have probably slotted in there if I could still run!

"We needed to see a bit more of a test – he came through that and I thought he did very well against Bradford as well.

"It's taken a while to get it over the line but we're there now, and we're very pleased to have him onboard."