GRAHAM Westley says his decision to bring former captain David Pipe back to Newport County AFC was a “no-brainer.”

County have tonight confirmed that the 33-year-old has returned to Rodney Parade on loan from Eastleigh in a deal that will run until the end of the season.

And Westley is convinced that Pipe’s character and leadership qualities can help the Exiles avoid relegation from League Two.

“He’s got a history with the football club, a history of success, a history with some of the people at the club and they have vouched for his character,” said the manager.

“And when you know a player is going to be strong in the dressing room and demand winning standards it’s a no-brainer to bring him back.

“He’s got experience, he’s got defensive qualities, and he’s got leadership – everything that we need in the situation that we’re in right now.

“He’s just the type of guy to help you win the next football match and in the end that’s all we’re in the business of doing here.

“If you win the next football match you rise up the league and we’re getting a gang of lads together to win the next game.”

Pipe earned one Wales cap in a 2003 friendly international against the United States.

Having begun his career at Coventry, he had spells at Notts County, Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham.

In June 2010 he was convicted of wounding with intent after hitting a man with a wine bottle. He was sentenced to 38 months in prison.

But Westley is unconcerned about the player’s past.

“I’ve had a lot of players play for me and been part of very successful sides who have allegedly had their problems in the past,” he said.

“I judge people on what I see and what’s in front of me, not on where they’ve been or what they’ve done.

“I take people as I find them and I’ve found David to be everything that the people at the football club that vouched for him have told me.

“He’s a guy who is committed to winning the next football match and he’s looking forward with his life and his career and he wants very much to be a part of Newport County.”