DAVID Pipe has expressed his delight after re-joining Newport County AFC on a permanent deal, Ryan Robinson.

The 33-year-old has signed a one-year-contract following the completion of his loan spell with the Exiles and release from parent club Eastleigh.

And the decision to return couldn’t have been easier for Pipe, County’s captain when the club won promotion to League Two in 2013.

“I wouldn’t even call it a choice, it was a must,” he said.

“As soon as I knew there was a conversation to be had I just wanted to be back at the club.”

Pipe played a pivotal role in County’s escape from relegation this season and says he still would have re-signed for the club even if they had been relegated.

He added: “My passions and feelings for this club will never change, regardless of the position, so it would not have affected my decision to stay on.

“Last year will get referred to for the next 50 years and so it should for what we did.

“The whole turnaround, the personnel involved on and off the field, the resurgence of the fans in a short space of time was special.”

Pipe was directly involved in the winner on the final day, with his cross setting up Mark O’Brien for the goal that kept the club in the Football League.

Reflecting on the strike and the crazy scenes that followed, he said: “Even if I wasn’t involved in the critical moment, I would have been just as joyous.

“I couldn’t control myself when it went in, there was so much emotion.

“I couldn’t reach the boys because it was my cross and they ran to the other side but it was so special.

“I regard Mark as a younger version of myself if I’m honest.

“He’s got similar mental attributes, he’s a no-holds barred type of player, so for the two of us to be involved for that goal makes it even more special.”

Pipe’s deal was announced on Thursday and coincided with new contracts for O’Brien, Joe Day and Marlon Jackson.

And he says it is vital to keep the squad together.

“The more solidarity we can keep together the better,” he added.

“The foundations have been put in place for next season by what we did last season.

“It’s up to us now to not rest on our laurels and build on it.

“Whichever way you want to look at it – whether you look at the points, how we played – it doesn’t matter.

“We accumulated a lot of points and it’s up to us to not tap ourselves on the back, be professional and build on that.

“Hopefully the gaffer can add to the foundations we have here at the moment."

That historic day at Wembley four years ago will stay with Pipe forever, but the Exiles’ final-day escape earlier this month is just that little bit more special for the defender.

“It really is hard to explain,” he said. “Wembley is regarded as the iconic stadium so to win there with your club, as captain, and to lift a trophy then nothing is going to compare to it.

“However, the Notts County game meant more for me. The crowd of over 7,000 felt more like 20,000 and it was amazing to be a part of it.

“It was a very special occasion. All I’ve heard is that it was a great experience.

“I think the atmosphere will be great next season. As a player, the more the better.

“The more atmosphere, the more intimidating it is for the opposition – the better it is for the lads when times get tough and you need the crowd. Players feed off it.”

Exiles manager Mike Flynn has also expressed his delight at getting the deal over the line.

He commented: “We need characters like David. On and off the pitch he’s a leader and the boys listen to him and respect him.

“David loves the club.

“He’s a professional on and off the field and his experience will be vital for us next season.”