ON the day that academy director Glyn Jones left the club it emerged that Newport County AFC are interested in bringing former defender Darren Jones back to his hometown club.

The club announced yesterday that 55-year-old youth team boss Glyn Jones would be leaving “as part of the on-going development at Newport County AFC.”

But Darren Jones could be set for a return to the Exiles, nine years after his acrimonious departure.

The 30-year-old previously played for County in the 2004/05 season but his first spell with the club ended when club captain Jones and teammate Andrew Thomas were both jailed for an assault in a Newport nightspot.

Jones served a couple of months before his release and, while Thomas rejoined then Conference South County, Jones opted to move to Forest Green Rovers.

Since then he’s enjoyed five years in the Football League with Hereford United, Aldershot Town, Shrewsbury Town and AFC Wimbledon.

Jones was released by the Shrews in January and was linked with a return to County then but he joined the Dons instead, making 18 appearances as they finished 20th in League Two.

He played against County in the 2-2 draw in Kingston on Good Friday and has been offered a new deal by Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley.

Neither County or the player were available to comment but, having recently opened a car repair centre in Newport, the Argus understands that Jones is keen to join Justin Edinburgh’s men at Rodney Parade in time for the 2014/15 campaign.

Edinburgh has offered new deals to central defenders Ismail Yakubu and Darcy Blake and is also keen to keep Byron Anthony for next season.

But, with uncertainty over the future of Wales international Blake, Jones would be seen as a valuable addition to the squad.

Harry Worley was released last week following an inconsistent one-season stay at Rodney Parade, while Kevin Feely has returned to his parent club Charlton Athletic and Tony James has officially hung up his boots to move to a full-time role as fitness coach.