NEWPORT County AFC manager Warren Feeney has made his first signing of the summer with the arrival of defender Jamie Turley from Eastleigh.

The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a two-year deal at Rodney Parade today.

A club statement reads: “The club are pleased to announce the signing of Jamie Turley on a two‐year deal.

“The 26-year‐old defender joins the Exiles as the first signing of the summer, as manager Warren Feeney looks to build his squad in preparation for the 2016/17 campaign.

“Jamie joins the club having spent last season with National League outfit Eastleigh FC, where he made over 40 appearances during the 2015/16 season before coming to the end of his contract.

“Turley began his career at Wycombe Wanderers before spells in non-league with Salisbury City and Forest Green Rovers.

“The defender also captained England C to the semi‐finals of the International Challenge Trophy in 2013.”

Speaking after signing the paperwork at Rodney Parade this afternoon, Turley said: "I'm delighted to be finally making the step up to the Football League and I want to take full advantage of this opportunity.

"Speaking to Warren it is clear that he has big ambitions for the club and he wants to be competitive next season.

"I'm a quick and aggressive player, your typical centre‐half really, and I'm sure I can win the fans over."

Exiles boss Feeney told the club website: "I know there was a lot of interest from other Football League club's for Jamie.

"He is a very good player, who possesses great pace and is very strong.

“He has a very good football brain and he is a great age for a defender and he wants to play at this level.

"I had a lot of respect for Jamie, in the fact that he has chosen to make the move here to prove himself at this level and I think he will be a very good signing for us as we look to build for the future.”

Feeney hopes Turley is the first of several summer signings.

"We know exactly what we want in terms of mentality and ability," he told BBC Wales.

"It might take a few weeks, but we are confident of putting a very competitive squad in place."

County have offered contracts to eight members of last season's first team, but Feeney is unconcerned that none of the players have so far agreed to stay at Rodney Parade.

"It is not an issue at this stage," he added.

"We won't let it drag on and on and I've made that clear to the players."