Having played over 40 games in all competitions last season for Charlton Athletic, Ryan Inniss becoming FGR's first signing of the summer window represents something of a coup.

After being released by the Addicks earlier this summer, the defender put pen to paper on a deal at The New Lawn on Friday afternoon. He may be dropping down a division from where he was playing last season, but it was the overall project at FGR that appealed to Inniss.

"It's been an exciting few days," said the 28-year-old said. "This is a place I know fairly well having played against Forest Green over the last few years.

"I spoke to the gaffer and the team here and I knew it was a great fit. It's a project. It was a disappointing finish to last season, but this club is looking to only go one way - and that's back up and to build on from there. That really appealed to me.

“It’s a lovely part of the world, lovely fans and what the club are trying to build at the minute is something that I really wanted to be a part of."

When it comes to fitness and availability, last season was the best of Inniss' career. He played 41 games in all competitions for Charlton, who finished 10th in League One.

"Personally last season was great for me," he explained. "Getting out there as much as possible and helping the team - even though we didn't achieve what we wanted to achieve - meant a lot to me.

"That was all last year, this is a new year, a new challenge, so it's about pushing on my numbers and being available every week.

"I want to play north of 40 games next season easily, that's my target. I want to be adding more goals to my game. I scored two last season, but at my size and stature I should be scoring more.

"I feel like I've still got a lot to learn and to give, but I can use my experience that I've gained at League One and League Two level."

Inniss isn't just looking forward to getting started on the pitch. The Crystal Palace academy graduate also wants to get involved in the local community.

Last year, while at Charlton, he was commended for his outstanding work in the local area, winning League One's PFA Player in the Community.

He formed lasting relationships with the Upbeats Down’s Syndrome team, as well as young people on Charlton's PL Kicks programme. Inniss is keen to get meeting people in the local area once he's settled in Gloucestershire.

"It (community work) is something that grew on me over the years," he said. "I've always been keen on giving back, but I found a few projects at Charlton which I'll always be grateful for and that I found a real passion and love for.

"I got a lot out of it too. It wasn't just about doing it because I'm obligated to. I found a lot of love with the Down's Syndrome Project and other bits and bobs in the community.

"The club are looking at pushing out and doing more things in the community - and I'd love to be a part of that."