NUTRITIONIST Neil Grove says he can’t remember the last time he was more excited to be involved in a project after joining the Billericay Town revolution.

The MMA fighter, 46, linked up with Town last week and will also be the club’s sports scientist for the new season.

South African Grove, whose cage fighting nickname is ‘Goliath’, has been based in Billericay for the last 16 years.

And he says he is hugely excited to be involved with Glenn Tamplin’s new-look outfit.

“I approached him,” he said. “I have previously worked with Mark Stimson over at Thurrock. I did a small nutrition talk about what the players should eat and carried out body analysis a few years ago.

“I drew up nutrition plans and it helped the guys learn about what you need to do before, during and after a game.

“I supplement as well as that helps with recovery and getting the nutrients you would otherwise get through food.

“I went to see Glenn with the same sort of offer. I had heard of him and what he was doing and it sounded appealing.

“He has a colourful background and I just liked him. He was a very likeable man and very respectful.

“He does a bit of Jiu-jitsu and some of his coaches knew of me, which was also nice.”

Grove, a former Ultimate Challenge MMA Heavyweight Champion who has competed in India, Canada, America and Russian among others, has been a personal trainer for 15 years.

And he says he will get the Town squad in shape for their assault on the Ryman Premier League next season.

“Glenn’s plans are hugely exciting,” he said. “I have competed across the world and have thought a lot about my body.

“This is a bunch of young guys who want to push on. I will be on their cases and will make sure they stay in shape.

“I have only met the group once so far but I want to do it again as soon as possible. I will help them and will give them all my attention.

“The itch to fight isn’t there anymore and I want to help better Billericay Town.

“I don’t remember being this excited about a project before,” he added.

“You train all sorts of people but it is about what they do once they leave your gym that really matters.

“This is new for me. I want to stick around and see these guys achieve what they believe they can achieve.

“I want to help make Glenn’s dream come true and if I can look back on this in years to come and say I played a part that will make me very happy.”