Harlow Town defender Craig Alcock has agreed to extend his stay with the club for the upcoming campaign as both a player and an assistant coach.

The 33-year-old is nearing the end of his playing career, but the Hawks are hoping to make the most of his experience by using him as a member of the coaching staff alongside manager Danny Chapman.

The news was announced via a statement on the Town website that reads: “Craig has re-signed for the forthcoming campaign, where he will also be taking on an enhanced role as Player-Coach, assisting Danny Chapman and the management team.”

Chapman himself is pleased to have the player on board for another campaign and said that his experience would prove valuable for the rest of the team of coaches.

The head coach told the club website: “I’m delighted that Craig has signed with us once again as a player, and with his wealth of experience I’m very happy that he will be joining the coaching team.

“He will add further experience to the squad’s coaching capabilities for the season ahead.”

The full-back has been with the Hawks for almost a year now, having signed in August 2020.

He began his career at Yeovil Town before enjoying loan spells around the south west at a number of clubs, including Weston-super-Mare, Taunton Town and Tiverton Town.

He played league football with Peterborough United, where he made just over 100 appearances, before heading north for spells with Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers.

He has also played for Cheltenham Town, before returning to Yeovil for a second spell.

He won the EFL trophy, now known as the Papa John’s Trophy, with Peterborough in the 2013/14 season.

Alcock is also a keen cricketer and has represented Wincanton CC team in the Somerset League.