NEW signing Tyler Forbes believes Newport County AFC have the same “togetherness” as last season’s League Two champions Accrington Stanley.

The 22-year-old, who can play as a right-back, right wing-back or as a winger, made 10 appearances for Stanley last season during a loan spell from Brighton & Hove Albion.

And, having signed a one-year deal with County following his release by Brighton, Forbes is confident that his new club can follow in Stanley’s footsteps by sealing a surprise promotion to League One.

He told iFollowExiles: “Accrington Stanley were a really tight-knit squad and fan-base – there was a real togetherness within the squad in the dressing room.

“I definitely see similarities here at Newport County AFC.

“I can already see that there is a togetherness within the squad – I’ve met with them for the first time and I think they are all top, top lads. I can’t wait to get to know them better.

“From the two teams that I’ve played for who then got promoted – Accrington Stanley and Brighton & Hove Albion – I could see that they had a togetherness running right through the squad,” he added.

“The squad here has that togetherness, I believe, so hopefully we can do good.

“Obviously the club did well in the FA Cup last season but the league has to become the main focus.

“Automatic promotion would be great, but the play-offs have to be the minimal target for the club this season.”

South Wales Argus:

Asked for his message to the County fans, Forbes emphasised his commitment to the cause.

“I look forward to hopefully being in your team,” he said.

“I’ll give you everything I’ve got whilst I’m here – 110 per cent – and hopefully I can please you.

“The fans are obviously our 12th man moving forward. If the fans are behind you then it gives you a morale boost.

“It’s about being all in it together. Obviously, Newport have a good fan-base and I’ll be looking forward to playing in front of them.”

The Preston-born wide man likes to get forward at every opportunity and he’s happy to be reunited with his former Fleetwood Town teammate Jamille Matt at Rodney Parade.

“I’ve played with Jamille Matt before at Fleetwood Town, so I know how Jamille plays and I’m obviously looking forward to playing with him again,” said Forbes.

“I know how Jamille plays and what he likes – he likes crosses in the box and stuff like that.

“I just need to learn now what the other lads in the team like and then try to deliver that.”

Forbes is County’s sixth signing of the summer, joining Matt, Fraser Franks, Charlie Cooper, Keanu Marsh-Brown and Andrew Crofts.

Exiles boss Michael Flynn was hoping to agree a new deal with injured skipper Joss Labadie by the end of this week but talks are still ongoing between the pair.

Labadie’s contract expires tomorrow. He is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that is expected to keep him out until at least October and possibly until the end of the year.