FOREST Green have signed Udoka Godwin-Malife on a two-and-a-half-year-deal from Oxford City. 

The defender featured for City in both FA Cup games against League Two Tranmere Rovers earlier in the season. 

He's played 38 games for the National League South side since making his debut last season. 

Godwin-Malife is a centre-back who can also play at right-back. 

The defender is excited to join Forest Green and can't wait to make his bow in league football. 

"This club has a really good track record of progressing young players and I wanted to come here, have a good time, kick on and try to get some minutes in League football,” he said.

“I came in yesterday and spoke to the gaffer. He showed me around the place, introduced me to everyone and introduced me to the playing style. He told me how I’d fit into this amazing club and told me he’s ready to Improve me.

 “I went to Oxford City when I was 16 as a scholar and it wasn’t until last season that I made my debut against St. Albans when the manager showed faith in me and involved me in the first team and since then I have just kicked on.”

“I was flattered when Forest Green were interested in me and it was just like, ‘when can I start,’ so I’m really happy to be here."

The defender has a number of attributes to his game but is keen to learn and develope at the New Lawn. 

“I’m physical, I like playing football," added Godwin-Malife.  "I’m quick and I want to get a better understanding of the game and help contribute to Forest Green.”

Manager Mark Cooper is pleased with his fourth addition of the January window and says it means a lot that he has opted for Forest Green Rovers over other clubs.

With players like Ethan Pinnock and Dayle Grubb showing the pathway from non-league and into the first team, he sees no reason why Godwin-Malife can’t follow a similar route.

“He’s a young player who has been on our radar,” he said.

“Richard Hughes, our head of recruitment, has been onto me for a couple of months about this player and he was one we were monitoring and we were watching every game at Oxford City.

“I’ve been to watch him twice and the interest in him from other clubs began to speed up the proces and there was some real interest from some big clubs and we didn’t want to miss out.

“I think the most pleasing thing is that he has had the choice of four or five clubs in the last few hours and he could have gone to bigger clubs but he realised it was the best place for his development.

“He could go into the team and not let himself down but we need to do some work with him a little bit.”

Watch his first interview here.