NEWPORT County AFC defender Darren Jones has announced that he is leaving the club at the end of his contract.

In a post on Twitter, the 33-year-old wrote: “I’ve made the decision to retire from professional football and what a way to do it after the ending to this season with Newport County.

“It’s been a tough season but we finally got there.

“I would like to thank all the professional clubs that I’ve played for especially Newport, my hometown club.

“I would like to wish them all the best for the future – players, staff and all the fans connected with the club.

“It’s time for me to move on to something or something else.

“It’s been a long old 18 years as a professional and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

The Newport-born centre-back made more than 100 appearances over three different spells with County, including 34 in the 2016-2017 season.

His last game was the defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Easter Monday.

Jones also played for Bristol City, Forest Green Rovers, Hereford United, Aldershot Town, Shrewsbury Town and AFC Wimbledon.