RADCLIFFE Boro will certainly not be short of academic prowess or muscle when the 2004-2005 Unibond Premier season dawns.

Kevin Glendon's first off-season signing, Ashton United's powerful 6ft 2in striker Phil Denney, brings with him to Stainton Park not only some unique footballing experience but also an academic approach.

On Bury's books, he played a number of reserve games for the Shakers before being released. He then had a spell with Harrogate Town before moving on to Bradford Park Avenue and then Ashton.

Away from football he is about to start the second year of a physiotherapy degree at the University of Central Lancashire (Preston), having already obtained a Sports Science degree and a masters in Sports Psychology.

While studying he has played internationally for English Students and was a member of the British Universities team that took part in the World Student games in China and Korea, playing in front of crowds of 32,000.

He also played for England in a Futsal - the UEFA and FIFA preferred variation of the five-a-side game - tournament in Malaysia.

"I'd been at Ashton for three years and needed a new challenge," said 24-year-old Phil: "Kevin had come in for me during the season but the bid was rejected.

"He phoned me again once the season was over and I was impressed with what he had to say.

"He's signed some fabulous players, there's a lot of ambition at the club and I feel we have a very good chance of going up as champions. Its an impressive set-up with great facilities and I wanted to be a part of that."

The move also gives him the opportunity to play a different style of football.

"I thought Boro were a good side last season, they play football, which is rare in the Unibond, you tend to get a lot of hoofers, teams that play very direct. But Kevin wants his team to play football and he sticks to that," he said.

"Ashton certainly play a different style to Boro and I'm looking forward to it instead of playing route one.

"There are four good strikers now at Boro - Brian Welch, Steve Foster, Josh Mitten and myself - which is rare at this level as usually you only have two.

"But it will be good for all four of us, it will certainly keep us on our toes and it will give Kevin a number of options up front. I'm certainly excited about the new season and can't wait to get stuck in.

"There's been some cracking friendlies lined-up, which is one of the things that immediately impressed me about the club, they don't mess about.

"It's a professionally run semi-pro club, everything they do is professional."

But joining Boro isn't the only highlight of his summer, as he marries Radcliffe girl Sally on July 30 before honeymooning in Madeira.

"She is used to watching me play and will probably bring along some of the family to watch Boro now," added Phil.

BORO have put together an impressive list of nine pre-season friendlies so far - five at home - in preparation for a tilt at the Unibond Premeir Division title and promotion to Conference North. So far it looks like this:

July 10 Home SHREWSBURY TOWN

July 13 Home BURY

July 17 Home BOLTON

July 24 Home MAN UNITED

July 27 Home SOUTHPORT

July 31 Away Durham City

August 7 Away Chorley

August 10 Away Ramsbottom United

August 14 Away Rossendale United

If fans join the club's exciting Lifeline scheme they will get free admission to see the team take on Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bury in these mouthwatering pre-season games at Stainton Park.

Lifeline members receive a free replica home or away Boro shirt, entry to all home league and cup fixtures, free matchday programme and half-time refreshments.

There will also be nine monthly draws that see fans with a chance of winning cash prizes of £25, £15 and £10.

While a big Christmas draw will see one lucky member take home a Christmas food hamper.

In addition, members can bring up to two of their children to home games free of charge.

The total cost of this excellent deal is only £240.

For more information, contact Kevin or David at the club on 724 8346.