FORMER Newport County skipper Mark Byrne has admitted that the opportunity of playing League One football was simply too good to turn down.

The midfielder joined Gillingham today on a two-year deal after declining the offer of a new contract at Rodney Parade.

Byrne, who led by example as Exiles captain last season, has paid tribute to the Welsh club and given them his best wishes for the future.

The 27-year-old Dubliner will now link up with ex-County boss Justin Edinburgh for the third time in his career – Edinburgh also signed Byrne while managing Rushden & Diamonds and Newport.

“It was a tough decision,” he said. “I love Newport County but it was a chance I couldn’t turn down.

“I’m 27 now and I wanted the chance to test myself in a higher division.

“I’ve played under Justin before and he played a big part in my decision to join Gillingham. I get on really well with him and he is a great manager.

“I’m going to try and do what I did last season and be as consistent as I can for them, and hopefully I can be part of a successful Gillingham team.

“They were pushing for the play-offs last season and the aim now is to go one step further.”

Byrne became a big favourite among the Newport fans during his two seasons with the club in League Two.

Having been given the captaincy by Terry Butcher last summer, Byrne was the team’s standout player during the 2015/16 campaign.

He added: “I made some good friends at Newport and I really hope the boys do well next season.

“I really enjoyed myself and helping to keep them in the Football League as captain was a great achievement.

“I really enjoyed playing under Warren Feeney and I got on really well with him.

“He’s a young manager coming through in the game and I hope he does well. He’s a good man and I don’t have a bad word to say about him.

“They have got a great set of fans there who were always on my side.

“I really hope they do well and I’ll always be looking out for their results.”