ADEN Baldwin insists his move to Championship club Bristol City came out of the blue.

The former first-year professional at Forest Green is still on cloud nine after penning a two-and-a-half-year contract at Ashton Gate.

“ It feels brilliant,” said the ex-Forest Green Academy graduate.

“I have met all the staff and players now and am keen to get going. Scott Bartlett (Forest Green Academy coach) is friends with Gary Probert at Bristol City and knows Wade Elliott (Bristol City under-21s) so that has helped.

“I was working hard at Forest Green and was trying to impress the gaffer (Ady Pennock) each day and then everything happened so quickly.

"Obviously it’s a dream move into the Championship, but it was hard to leave FGR. I got good advice from the gaffer and Scott and once they gave me their blessing, it made it an easy decision.”

Baldwin,18, joined Rovers as a 15-year-old and prospered by mixing football and education at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College.

He said: “The Forest Green Academy at SGS College was good for me, I have got an education and qualifications behind me and really benefited from full-time training.

“Getting a professional contract at the start of the season was brilliant and training as part of the Forest Green first-team squad meant I had to progress quickly.

“The first team lads have been different class, they looked after me and fellow first-year pro Lou McGrory.”

Baldwin leaves Rovers with fond memories and paid tribute to his former employees.

He added: “Everyone at FGR has been great. Chairman Dale Vince put my future first and allowed myself and my parents to speak to Bristol City, he also paid for my operation last year, which I will never forget.

“It goes without saying that I wouldn’t be in this situation now without Scott’s work with me over the past three years. The gaffer (Ady Pennock) gave me my first pro-contract and Neil Withington (fitness coach) has spent hours with myself and Lou (McGrory) in the gym.

They are all a great team and I have a lot to thank them for, I hope they get the promotion they deserve.”