Aaron Wildig: I've got plenty more to give at Gloucester
The former Exiles skipper has joined forces with Dafydd Williams, who left Rodney Parade at the end of last season to become boss at Gloucester.
Wildig opted to step away from full-time football in the EFL to drop down to Southern League Premier Division South, with the 33-year-old from Hereford also starting to look towards coaching.
The midfielder completed his UEFA A licence with the Football Association of Wales this year and was an assistant for caretaker boss Williams in the final two games of last season following the departure of Nelson Jardim.
County acknowledged his value off the field when offering him fresh terms while he is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments.
However, a call from Williams convinced Wildig that the time was right to drop out of the Football League and head for Gloucester.
'I was offered a deal by Newport, which was really respectful of them, but having worked with Daf for the last two years, he dropped me a message and asked if it was something that I would be interested in,' said Wildig, who started his professional career with Cardiff in 2009.
'With a few things going on outside of football, it was something that I fancied coming to have a crack at and I am looking forward to it.'
CLASSY: Aaron Wildig was in superb form until injury for County last season (Image: Gareth Everett)
Wildig stressed the first part of his job title of player-coach is dominant.
'I am quite passionate about my coaching and in the last few years I have started to look into that side of things,' he said. 'That's something to look forward to but my priority is as a footballer and I still have a lot to give.'
Williams has no doubt that Wildig's quality will show in the Southern League, pointing to the flying start the midfielder made to last season before injury.
'To have someone of that experience and calibre represent this club is a huge statement,' said the Welshman, who spent two seasons at Rodney Parade.
'Last year he was stat the best midfielder in League Two until his injury so make no mistake, we have a great player on hour hands.
'Him coming in as player-coach offers his experience, credentials and skill set as a coach, which is something he is keen on further down the line. To provide him with that opportunity is exciting.'
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