FORMER Newport County AFC captain David Pipe has signed a two-year deal with Conference side Forest Green Rovers following his release by the Exiles.

The 30-year-old right-back, who can also play on the right side of midfield earned one cap for Wales and has made more than 200 Football League appearances.

Born in Caerphilly, Pipe played his youth football at Coventry City, where he broke into the first team and made 20 appearances in the Championship.

He then spent three seasons with Notts County and a further three years at Bristol Rovers, from whom he joined Cheltenham Town for a loan spell in 2009.

After his release by the Pirates following a spell in prison for a nightclub assault, Pipe joined County where he captained the club to promotion via the Conference play-offs in 2013.

He made 29 appearances for the Exiles in the 2013/14 season but was released by boss Justin Edinburgh last month.

After signing his contract at The New Lawn this morning, Pipe told the club's official website: "Obviously I wanted to go to a football club that has ambition and once the gaffer told me what the club was all about I was sold.

"I'm not going to lie, I was gutted to have left Newport but I've left on good terms and I'm grateful for the second chance in football that Newport gave me.

"I've played over 350 Football League games; my atttributes are strength and energy so I need to look after myself and I told the gaffer I'd give 100% day in day out. "

Rovers manager Ady Pennock confirmed that he has earmarked Pipe to fill the right-back position.

"David will be a leader on the pitch, he's a very good professional and has been there and done it in our league," Pennock said.

"He goes foward very well and crosses a great ball. He's a good age and a very good signing. I'm very pleased."