Forest Green Rovers have pipped League Two rivals Swindon Town to the signature of  midfielder Lloyd James from Exeter City for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old Bristol-born player has signed a two-year deal at The New Lawn having lined up against his new side four times last season with Exeter.

Combative midfielder James brings experience with him, with more than 300 league appearances under his belt.

He played 50 games for the Grecians in all competitions last term as they made the play-off final for a second year running.

James was a pivotal player in the heart of Paul Tisdale’s midfield and hopes his experience will prove key in continuing Forest Green on their upwards trajectory.

James said: “The vision of the club is the thing that attracted me to Forest Green.

“I’ve seen it just growing and having spoken to the manager who has shown interest in me, it looks like a club on the up.

“I like to get on the ball and try to get the team ticking. I also have a lot of experience, getting to the play-off final twice in two seasons and I hope to be a good character around the place and help the younger lads out.

“We’re looking to do as well as we can and with the additions the manager has made, I think we will be a very good side next year and hopefully we can push on up into the play-offs.”

James came through Southampton’s academy, appearing in the same side that featured fellow summer signing Joseph Mills as they lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2010.

He moved to Colchester United in 2010 where he made more than 50 appearances before joining Crawley on loan.

Prior to his move to Exeter in the summer of 2016, James spent four years at Leyton Orient where he scored 11 goals from midfield.

The deal is subject to EFL and FA approval.