FORMER Forest Green defender Jamie Turley has joined Newport County AFC.

The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a two-year deal at Rodney Parade after leaving Eastleigh.

A club statement reads: “The club are pleased to announce the signing of Jamie Turley on a two‐year deal.

“The 26-year‐old defender joins the Exiles as the first signing of the summer, as manager Warren Feeney looks to build his squad in preparation for the 2016/17 campaign.

Turley began his career at Wycombe Wanderers before spells in non-league with Salisbury City and Forest Green under David Hockaday.

The defender also captained England C to the semi‐finals of the International Challenge Trophy in 2013.”

Turley said: "I'm delighted to be finally making the step up to the Football League and I want to take full advantage of this opportunity.

"I'm a quick and aggressive player, your typical centre‐half really, and I'm sure I can win the fans over."

Exiles boss Warren Feeney told the club website: "I know there was a lot of interest from other Football League club's for Jamie.

"He is a very good player, who possesses great pace and is very strong.

“He has a very good football brain and he is a great age for a defender and he wants to play at this level.

"I had a lot of respect for Jamie, in the fact that he has chosen to make the move here to prove himself at this level and I think he will be a very good signing for us as we look to build for the future.”