FORMER Forest Green manager Frank Gregan is proving the pen (alty) is mightier than the sword.

Taking inspiration from his professional football background and life as an infantry sergeant major, novelist Gregan has penned three compelling crime-themed books ‘El Clasico’, ‘Don’t Mess With Mum’ and his latest offering ‘Need to Know’.

“When I first went to Spain, I was employed by Betfair to write previews of the English Premier League football games and the Indian Premier League at cricket," revealed Gregan, who has scouted for Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal.

“I gleaned a load of stories from a friend, who used to be a chief inspector in the Wiltshire police.

“The one thing about being in the army and being a footballer is you glean a great sense of humour from that and that’s what it is - basically crime and humour - an easy read, which is never going to tax the brain, the narrative is quiet colourful and I hope people enjoy it.”

To obtain copies visit http://www.frankgregan.com