NOW that Jon Parkin has got his wish of at least one more season in the Football League, the striker is hoping his experience and eye for goal will pay dividends at Newport County next term.

Parkin, who joined the Exiles in a 12-month deal on Sunday, was part of the Forest Green Rovers side that lost to Grimsby Town in the National League play-off final in May.

Parkin’s Forest Green contract was terminated by mutual consent earlier this month, paving the way for County boss Warren Feeney to sign the 34-year-old forward.

The former Hull, Stoke and Cardiff marksman has scored goals throughout his 14-club career and his nous in and around the six-yard box could be crucial for County in League Two.

Nicknamed ‘The Beast’, the 6ft 4in powerhouse has revealed how current and former Newport players helped him in his decision to move to Rodney Parade.

“When I spoke to the manager I was interested straight away and luckily we managed to get it sorted out pretty quickly,” he told Exiles Player.

“I knew Darren Jones from last year and he spoke about the club. I know David Pipe from Forest Green who said it’s a really good club which is run well, so hopefully we can be successful.”

On the opportunity to get another crack at the Football League, he added: “That was another big pull as well.

“I wanted another year at least in League football, as a challenge for myself as much as anything.”

Parkin thanked Forest Green manager Mark Cooper for letting him train with the Gloucestershire outfit during pre-season, even though he was no longer on the playing staff at The New Lawn.

When asked what he can bring to Newport, he said: “Goals are the main thing but obviously experience.

“If I can help out with the young lads I’d be more than happy to do that, and hopefully just come in and try and improve the team.”

Parkin, who has not set himself any goal targets for the 2016/17 season, could well feature for his new club on Thursday when they face Undy Athletic in a friendly at The Causeway (6.45pm kick-off).

A reunion with his former teammates is on the agenda come July 30 when County travel to Forest Green for their penultimate warm-up game ahead of the new term.