NEW arrival Craig Clay has described conversations with Athletic's management team as "top notch" after signing a one-year deal with the club.

And the former Motherwell midfielder is hoping that he can use his experience to help guide some of the club's younger players, both on and off the pitch.

The 32-year-old put pen to paper at KDM Group East End Park yesterday (Friday) following a successful trial period.

Within that time, he played in a bounce match with Livingston, and in a reserve outing against Queen's Park, in which he scored during a 2-0 victory.

Dunfermline Press:

In addition to a season at Fir Park during the 2016/17 campaign, where he played alongside new Pars team-mate, Joe Chalmers, Clay has turned out for clubs south of the border such as Chesterfield, Barrow, York City, Grimsby Town and Leyton Orient.

Craig Clay has experience of Scottish football from his time with Motherwell.Craig Clay has experience of Scottish football from his time with Motherwell. (Image: Craig Brown.)

He was mostly recently with Sutton United last season, who were relegated from EFL (English Football League) League Two, and spoke highly of talks with Athletic manager, James McPake, and his number two, Dave Mackay, during his trial period.

"The original chat when we spoke was he (McPake) wanted me to come in, and I think after maybe four or five training sessions, he told me he wanted to sign me, which was obviously nice to hear," Clay explained.

READ MORE: Athletic complete deal for former 'Well midfielder

"As I say, it's gone on for a few weeks, but we've had regular chats. The communication from the gaffer and Dave (Mackay, assistant manager) to myself has been top notch.

"Obviously I'm grateful for that, and I'm grateful that what he said from the start's came through, and I've put pen to paper.

"I think I'm maybe the second, third oldest (in the squad). I still see myself as a young lad, but I need to remember I'm 32!

"If I can just help the young lads in any way, whether it's on the pitch, giving them, I suppose, directions and help on the pitch, also off the pitch, if they need any advice, or need to come and talk to me about anything, then I'll be here.

"I'll be happy to help any of the young lads."

Describing the style of play he hopes to bring to the team, Clay added: "First and foremost, I like to, and I think it's not valued as much, but I like to do the dirty side of the game.

"Obviously, the pressing, the tackling, helping my team-mates out, but I also like to get on the ball, get it moving, and get it out to the wingers or up to the strikers, and just try and dictate a game.

"Obviously it's been tough, being the trial period, trying to showcase yourself, but, like I say, it's all done and dusted now, so I'm just delighted and I want to get back out playing on Saturdays."