Kane Wilson confirmed the groundwork Bristol City are laying to achieve Premier League football was enough to convince him to join the club over their Championship rivals.
The club finally announced the arrival of the 22-year-old on a three-year deal, fending off competition to secure his signing in is regarded as a huge coup for Nigel Pearson.
The right wing-back becomes the club's third arrival of the summer after Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith while Timm Klose also signed a new contract to extend his stay at Ashton Gate for at least another season with the option for an extra year.
Nottingham Forest scouted Wilson extensively during his terrific award-winning season in League Two although their promotion to the Premier League meant they cooled their interest in his signature. Birmingham and Watford were also among the interested parties with Wilson not short of options.
With his contract expiring on June 30 at Forest Green, Wilson could have held out to assess his options but confirmed conversations with Pearson, the club's vision for the future and the facilities at the High Performance Centre enticed him to BS3.
Speaking on the club's official website, he said: "It feels amazing to sign. It’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time now and I’m over the moon to finally get it done.
“City are a forward-thinking club. Sometimes it’s easy to say you are forward-thinking and want to get into the Premier League but with the steps that City are making – the training ground, what the Gaffer has said to me, the feel of the club – it’s something I believe they really want to do.”
Wilson also took to Twitter following the announcement, writing: "I’m really happy to have signed for Bristol City! Can’t wait for the season to start and begin this new chapter. Hard work starts now!!"
Forest Green director Richard Hughes added: "We're delighted that Kane has secured himself a Championship move. He took a brave decision two years ago and he has been rewarded with personal success and has been part of a successful team. We wish him the best going forward and he will always be welcome back at The New Lawn."
Wilson played an integral part of Forest Green's promotion campaign, scoring three and assisting 13 last season across 45 appearances. He underwent his medical earlier today after agreeing personal terms.
The lure of regular first-team football is also thought to be a big draw to convince Wilson to join alongside Pearson's reputation for playing and developing young players. The manager handed nine debuts to players last season.
Wilson came through the Baggies academy but failed to make a league appearance for the club having spent time on loan with Exeter, Walsall and Tranmere before eventually joining Forest Green on a two-year deal in 2020.
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