Former Sunderland defender Jack Baldwin has joined League One side Bristol Rovers.
The 27-year-old was released by the Black Cats this summer after two years on Wearside, although he spent last season on loan at League Two Salford United.
But the ex-Hartlepool United and Peterborough United man has now joined Ben Garner's Rovers side on a two-year deal, and could find himself facing Sunderland next season.
Baldwin said: "I'm delighted to be here!
"Speaking with Ben early on this summer, I'm thrilled that we have managed to get everything sorted so early on, with the current climate.
"I had chats with Ben quite a few times before signing and he's a positive person.
"He knows the type of football that he wants his team to play and that style matches the way that I see myself playing.
"There's a lot of positivity around Bristol Rovers, so that makes it a great time to be joining and I'm excited to get started."
Garner added: "We are delighted to have Jack on board with us.
"Jack has very good experience in League One but also retains the ambition to play at a higher level.
"He is a committed and intelligent defender who is also very good in possession.
"I like his character and he has good leadership qualities, having captained former teams at this level.
"I think Jack joins us with a point to prove and a real hunger to do well in this next phase of his career.
"From my perspective, he just needs to play his natural game and work hard to improve every day as he has all the attributes to be an excellent addition for us."
Baldwin was a regular in his first season at Sunderland, but the arrivals of Jordan Willis and Joel Lynch last summer saw him pushed down the pecking order, leading to his loan move to Salford.
He made 42 appearances in all competitions during his time at Sunderland, and scored three goals.
