MIKE FOWLER and Curtis McDonald have sensationally quit Forest Green to sign for Blue Square Premier rivals Newport County. The star duo’s shock exit follows hot on the heels of Mike’s younger brother Lee, who quit the club last week following Rovers’ decision not o to offer the mercurial midfielder a contract. A Forest Green spokesman told the SNJ on Tuesday morning that the now former Forest Green team-mates are set to sign for Dean Holdsworth’s high-flying outfit. “Mike Fowler and Curtis McDonald have informed the club they're going to join Newport County,” said the spokesman. “Mike had been on a month-to-month contract until the end of December since he returned from last season’s injury, whilst Curtis, who was non-contracted, has taken the opportunity to sign for the Welsh club. "Both players are based in South Wales and each played their last game in a Rovers shirt in the home draw with Rushden & Diamonds at the end of November. The club wishes both players the best for the future." Fowler, 28, a popular figure amongst the fans, joined Rovers from Salisbury City in June 2009, but a horrific triple ankle fracture dislocation and ligament damage during a pre-season friendly against Exeter City put his career in doubt. However, the former Forest Green captain defied the medics’ initial doubts by returning to full fitness this season. McDonald,22, made his debut in a 1–1 draw with Kettering Town in August 2008 and stayed on for the 2008–09 campaign at The New Lawn on non contract terms and signed on for the following season when again offered a contract to stay. He left the club at the end of the 2009–10 season and trialled with Football League sides, Stockport County and Leyton Orient however he did not earn a contract and re-joined Forest Green in September after fans funded his signing. He celebrated his return by scoring the third goal in a 4–3 victory for Rovers against Hayes & Yeading United. His last appearance for Rovers saw him bag a brace in the 2-2 draw against Rushden and Diamonds this month.