JASON Taylor has said becoming Barrow AFC's player coach was a 'fantastic opportunity' he could not turn down.

On Thursday, the club announced that Taylor had agreed a two-year deal in his new role as the 34-year-old looks to build his coaching career.

Taylor said: "This just seems a fantastic opportunity for me at a really good time.

"It’s something I have always been interested in moving towards, so I feel like this is a great chance for me to make that little step with Barrow.

"I have been working on my coaching qualifications over the last four years in my spare time and on evenings, though COVID-19 put a bit of a stop to it over the last 12 months obviously."

Although he will continue to represent The Bluebirds on the pitch, Taylor has said he will provide a helping hand off it for boss Mark Cooper.

Cooper has been impressed with Taylor's leadership and believes the player can help him learn about his new squad.

He said: "Jason is a player who has played against my teams lots of times.

"I have always been impressed with his leadership and organisational qualities; he’s a winner and he’s someone who can definitely help us both on and off the pitch.

"He impressed me further when I spoke to him about the role, and he can provide us with a real insight into the squad and the way things work at Barrow."

Taylor has now played well over 100 games for The Bluebirds since arriving at Holker Street in 2018.

He was a key performer in the club's 2020 promotion and subsequent survival last season.