James Perch has expressed his delighted at joining newly-promoted Newcastle United on Monday.

The 25-year-old defender signed a four-year contract with the Magpies after play-off disappointment with Nottingham Forest last season

Forest lost in the play-off semi-finals to eventual winners Blackpool, although Perch will still be playing top-flight football after joining Newcastle.

Perch was aware of rumours linking him with the North East giants earlier in the year and is pleased to have finally made the switch.

"It's brilliant to finally get here," he told the club's official website.

"There was a lot of talk in January and I was close then but to get it signed and sealed is brilliant.

e "The size of the football club and the city is massive. I have come from a big club in Forest but it's a step up to a massive club."

Perch admits the play-off defeat to the Seasiders still hurts, although he is delighted to be making his Premier League bow this season.

The Mansfield-born utility man, who can operate in both midfield and defence, believes Newcastle showed great character in bouncing back at the first time of asking.

"We faltered at the last hurdle with Forest and it's brilliant to be a Premier League player now," he continued.

"Hopefully I can get some games under my belt and get training with the lads. The aura around the place is massive.

"The players they have got here... to have got relegated and then come straight back up shows massive, massive courage."