GOALKEEPER Paul White insists signing a new one-year contract was a "no-brainer''.

Signed by former Forest Green boss David Hockaday, the 20-year-old Irishman  gained expereince at Vanarama Conference North side Gloucester City last season and is now keen to challenge Steve Arnold for the number one jersey.

White said:“I’m extremely confident in my abilities and feel that I’m close enough to being ready to impact the first team here.

“I’m extremely happy and proud to sign a new contract for next season and I’m thankful to the gaffer, chairman and the club for showing faith in me.

“I love playing for the club, love living in the area and love the atmosphere in the dressing room with all the lads, so once there was an offer, signing a new contract was a no brainer for me.

“My main focus now is gym work over the summer and to come back physically stronger and dominant.”

In two separate loan spells with the Tigers he helped them retain their Conference North status, and also helped them to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

“My loan spell at Gloucester City last season was a major part in me getting a new contract,” he added.

“It was a serious test of character because I had a spell of about six weeks where I wasn’t performing well but I pulled through that and finished off the last two months extremely well and contributed to keeping the club up.

“It has accelerated my progression and development massively and to have those experiences at such a young age is going to help me throughout my career. I will be forever indebted to Tim Harris and Gloucester for giving me the opportunity.”

White has made one first team appearance for the club so far, coming in April 2014, when he featured as a substitute on the final day of the 2013-14 season against Wrexham.

On signing his new deal, he also offered his thanks to former team-mate Sam Russell, who has now left the club, praising him for being a “good mentor” and “great friend”.