JERRY Gill revealed that moving to Forest Green was too good an opportunity to turn down after he completed his switch from Cheltenham Town.

He will take up the player-assistant manager role after signing on loan with an agreement to sign a contract until the end of the 2009/10 season in January. He will fill the void left by Jamie Pitman, who left to join Hereford United as a physio last month.

Gill, who watched Rovers’ 2-1 loss at home to Torquay United last week, has played almost 300 Football League games in a career with Birmingham City and Northampton Town, prior to his move to Whaddon Road in February 2004.

Since pulling on a shirt for the Robins he made 180 League appearances and moves across to the Blue Square Premier club following discussions with Cheltenham Town manager Martin Allen.

Gill was offered a coaching role at Whaddon Road but he wanted to continue with his playing career.

He said: "This was too good an opportunity to miss, even if it means leaving Cheltenham whilst still a first choice pick and club captain.

"Rovers have great potential and are a well run club and that is important in my decision to secure my footballing future.

"Also having the chance to become Number two to the most experienced manager in the Blue Square can only be beneficial for me."

Rovers haven’t won a game since Pitman’s exit, and boss Jim Harvey’s attempt to bring in former Morecambe midfielder Michael Knowles was halted due to financial constraints.

A coach with a playing influence was the preferred option and right back Gill fits the bill perfectly, as left sided player Paul Stonehouse has been required to play out of position there for the last two games.

Gill will also offer valuable experience in a young squad as he is nine years older than Adriano Rigoglioso, who was the most senior player at 29.

Manager Jim Harvey is more than pleased to have finally secured the deal.

"Jerry brings with him a wealth of experience and a player who has been playing regular Division One football," he said.

"He is the sort of person I have been looking to bring in since the end of August when Jamie Pitman left suddenly. Good things do not happen overnight and Jerry will hopefully be a stabilising force both on and off the field and bring a new dimension and fresh ideas to take us back up the table. His signing should captivate our supporters ahead of our clash with Wrexham at the New Lawn this coming Saturday."

Gill is set to make his debut against Wrexham and will take over the number six shirt which was worn by Pitman.

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