GLOUCESTER CITY youngster Joe Parker has agreed a two-year with Newport County.
Parker came through the youth set up at Gloucester and came to prominence this season when he scored a 19-minute hat-trick against Yate Town in the FA Cup.
As he was not on a contract with the Tigers, Newport have been able to sign him for free.
However, the Exiles have agreed to allow the teenager to rejoin Gloucester on loan for the remainder of the season at no cost to the Skrill North side.
Despite the fact that Tigers boss Dave Mehew had hoped to tie Parker down on a deal, he has welcomed the youngster’s move.
Speaking to the Gloucester Citizen, he said: “We tried to get Joe on a contract in the summer but him being at Hartpury (College) meant it couldn’t be done.
“But Newport have been fantastic in allowing him to come back to us for the rest of the season, so we actually save money on our wage bill.
“We will also have first refusal on Joe if they want to loan him out next year and we will host them in a pre-season friendly next season.
“I know that Newport have been looking at Joe for a while and he has clearly impressed them and we all wish him well.
“It’s a good deal for us and more importantly it’s a great move for Joe.”
