NEW signing Ryan Burge says he joined Newport County AFC because they are a “team of winners.”

The 24-year-old former Port Vale midfielder signed a contract with the Rodney Parade club yesterday that takes him up to the end of this season.

Burge has been a free agent since being released by Vale in April after falling out with his then manager Micky Adams.

But before his exit he played a big part in helping the Staffordshire club seal promotion to League One last season.

And having trained with Championship clubs Yeovil Town and Burnley this summer he says that he opted to join County because they have the squad to follow in Vale’s footsteps and challenge for promotion this season.

“I played a few games with Yeovil and one at Burnley and I had other offers but I think Newport is a club on the up and, at this level, they are as good as any club,” said Burge.

“I spoke to Justin Edinburgh and Tim Harris and was very impressed with what they had to say.

“The ambition at the club is obvious and having got promoted last year, like I did, they are a team of winners.

“That winning mentality is very important and I wanted to be part of that.”

Edinburgh is delighted to have got his man to replace the injured Max Porter before Monday’s transfer deadline, although Burge won’t be able to play at Scunthorpe today due to international clearance rules.

“Ryan had a fantastic season last year, featuring in Vale’s promotion winning side and was also subject to a six figure transfer bid from a Championship club,” said the Exiles boss.

“We are delighted to be able to acquire him at this stage of the season and he will add quality competition for places within our squad.”

Burge insists that playing his part in promotion last season outweighs the disappointing manner in which he left Port Vale.

He had his contract terminated three weeks before the end of the 2012/2013 campaign after a fall-out with the club due to an incident ahead of a game at Bristol Rovers.

Burge missed a pre-match meal and then took his frustrations out on Twitter.

“Obviously it wasn't great the way it ended, but on a personal note it was a great achievement to win promotion,” he said.

“Hopefully I can do the same this season with Newport. I think we can surprise a few people and on paper I think we’ve got the players to achieve good things.

“I’m just glad to be back at a club and I’m looking forward to playing.

“I like to get my foot on the ball and pass it and hopefully I can do that with Newport.”

Mike Flynn and Tony James on Scunthorpe v County: page 42