AJ back to boost Robins

Former club captain Andy (AJ) Jones has returned to Newtown – the club’s eighth summer signing.

Jones, 31, returns to Latham Park after a two and a half year stay with Airbus UK, and comes into the the side to bolster Chris Hughes' squad ahead of the new season.

Manager Chris Hughes was delighted the versatile defender turned striker has put pen to paper. He said: "Everyone will know AJ from his first spell and we are delighted he has come back, it says a lot about what we are doing here when the likes of Craig Williams, Ross Stephens and AJ are signing.

"We sat down in the summer and talked about experience, and the three of them have about 700 Welsh Premier League games between them.

"Also with AJ his versatility will be key because since I've been here we have had awful luck with injuries. We had to drop Tom in there at times last season, and he did a great job, but we needed to make sure we have cover and with Shane, Kieran, Jordan and Andy we now have that going into the season.

"We've been keeping an eye on his situation at Airbus for a while now and he's changed his job, which meant travelling became a problem. So it is a good solution for everyone that he signs here, and we are delighted to have him sign."

Jones began his career at Shrewsbury Town before a spell at AFC Telford United, and a host of Midlands clubs. He joined the Robins in January 2012 from Evesham United, quickly coming a fans favourite.

Jones also became a makeshift striker, with one of his finest moments coming courtesy of a hat-trick in a 5-2 win at Prestatyn Town in December 2012. He left the Robins in January 2014 for Airbus after notching 10 goals in 60 outings for Newtown, with a further nine goals in 51 appearances coming at the Airfield.

Speaking on his return AJ said: "It is good to be back: "The circumstances have changed with my job, and I felt it was the right time to come back. The set up is exactly the same, it is a good place to play and I am looking forward to the season now."