FOREST Green Rovers' new manager David Horseman has completed his first signing for the 2023/24 season.

New Zealand international goalkeeper Jamie Searle joins the club from Barnsley on a permanent transfer. 

The 22-year-old arrived in England back in 2019 with Aston Villa, before moving on and signing for Swansea City. He signed for Barnsley in the 2022/23 season but made just two appearances. 

Now he will be hoping for regular first-team football in League Two with Forest Green and brings with him some international experience having played for his country at both age-grade and first-team level.

"I’m buzzing to be here," said Searle. "The whole club, the whole opportunity is something that I really looked at and thought 'I want to be a part of that'.

"The club wants to go forward and I want to go forward. I want to help the club get back to League One."

Horseman added: "Jamie is a goalkeeper with high potential. He’s hungry to play games and his personality type really fits with the group.

"He’s been at some big clubs and has played under some good coaches. We’re really excited to have him with us."