Former Forest Green legend Jamille Matt has heaped praise on his Walsall team-mate Tom Knowles, who will join Rovers when his contract at the Bescott expires at the end of the month.
Matt, who led Rovers into League One under Rob Edwards, is convinced his former club have signed a gem on and off the pitch, posting on X, he said: “Got yourselves a top player and lad.”
The 25-year-old right-wing back had the option of a further year on his deal, and had been in contract talks with the Saddlers during the off-season.
Knowles arrived from Yeovil Town in 2022 and registered seven goals and 10 assists in 92 appearances for Walsall in total.
He marked his debut season with five goals and five assists in 52 appearances.
Following on from the arrivals of Liam Sercombe, Sean Long and Ben Tozer, Knowles pointed to Rovers’ ambition and Steve Cotterill as his reasons for dropping down a level, he said: “I have spoken to the gaffer, and the ambition and views of the club caught my eye straight away.
“As a player I want to achieve and win things during my career and Forest Green feels a perfect place to do that. I hope to get us back to the EFL and then back in to League One.
“Every time I have been to the New Lawn it’s been a great ground with good facilities and I’ve also spoken to a couple of lads who have said nothing but good things! It’s a club with ambition and that aligns with me as a player.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of the National League and want to work to get back into EFL, as well as working under the gaffer and meeting my new teammates and making it a successful season.”
