Newport sign Welsh striker Doidge

Christian Doidge featured as a substitute as Forest Green were beaten by Boreham Wood in last season's National League play-off eliminator [Getty Images]

Newport County have signed experienced Welsh striker Christian Doidge.

Doidge, 33, was a free agent after being released by National League side Forest Green Rovers at the end of last season.

League Two Newport have not specified the length of Doidge's contract at Rodney Parade.

The Newport-born player had been in his second spell at Forest Green having also played for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Hibernian and Dagenham & Redbridge.

"It's my hometown club. I came here as a kid many times, watched the big games, I even remember being down at Spytty Park (Newport's former home) as a mascot a few times," Doidge said.

"It's just really special to come home and play for the club I grew up watching."

Doidge follows fellow forward Yahya Bamba in moving from Forest Green to Newport.

The Exiles signed another frontman, Shaquille Gwengwe, from Southern League Premier Division South side Poole Town last week.

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Doidge returns to Wales having played for Cwmbran Celtic, Croesyceiliog, Barry Town and Carmarthen Town in the early part of his senior career.

His first English club was Dagenham & Redbridge, while he had a loan spell at Dartford before his helping Forest Green win promotion to the EFL during his first spell with the Gloucestershire side.

A brief spell at Bolton preceded Doidge's move to Hibernian, where his form led to suggestions that he could receive a Wales call-up, before he rejoined Forest Green in 2024.