FOOTBALLERS aren't perceived as the sharpest tools in the academic box but Forest Green's Ashley Brown has gone to the top of the class.

The 18-year-old Newent Community School sixth former bagged a schoolboy hat-trick of A-levels in physical education, psychology, and design and technology today.

The former Gloucester City youngster admitted to a few pre-results butterflies as he drove to his school this morning.

He said: "I was a bit nervous when I drove to school, but my results have gone better than expected with a B,C and D."

With his results slip in his tracksuit pocket the relieved scholar stepped on the gas to arrive at Rovers' Royal Agricultural University training headquarters.

Brown added: "I made training just in time and the gaffer and the lads all congratulated me."

Midfielder or defender Brown joined Scott Bartlett's U18s two years ago and signed his first professional deal last summer.

He made a number of appearances for the reserves as they won the Football Combination Southern Division title.

However, the Newent-based youngster has been sidelined since October and underwent a career-threatening hip operation in February.

He said: "The surgeon repaired my ligaments, cleaned up some cartilage and shaved some bone down.

"My rehab with sports therapist Tim Grigg is going well and I am striking balls, doing sprints and sharp turns, so it's just a matter of getting my fitness right.

"My aim is to get fit and possibly go out on loan to get some games."