NATHAN JONES played for 12th tier Cranborne just a week after being sacked as Southampton boss.

The Welshman was axed by the Saints after seven defeats in eight Prem matches at the helm.

Jones, 49, received his marching orders following a 2-1 home loss to fellow strugglers Wolves.

A week on, he donned his boots again for Dorset Division One side Cranborne.

Jones even managed to grab an assist for Cranborne's early opener, as they took on Wareham Rangers.

His comeback didn't last long, however, as he had to be replaced just six minutes later after suffering a calf injury.

Read More Football Stories

Nathan Jones SACKED by Southampton after horror run leaves club bottom of Prem

Win a Ferrari plus £5,000 or £125k alternative from 89p with our special discount code

The former top flight boss is claimed by The Daily Echo to be a good friends with one of Cranborne's players.

So with his Saturdays free at the moment, he came down to help out.

Jones was sacked by Southampton just 94 days into a three-and-a-half year contract.

The Saints paid his former club Luton £4million for his services – while also having to fork out the rest of his £1.25m-a-year contract.

Most read in Football

YOU DEVILS

Utd season ticket prices go UP for 1st time in 11 years as fans slam 'parasites'

CODE REDS

Liverpool NOT for sale after huge U-turn by FSG as Henry makes rare statement

WORLD'S BEST BOSS

Footy fan loses wallet on Tube but gets it back thanks to ex Prem manager

IN WITH THE NEW

Premier League games to be shown on NEW channel from next season

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

This takes their total spending on the hiring and firing of Jones to a staggering £8.4m.

Southampton are now under the caretaker charge of Ruben Selles, after talks with ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch broke down.

Selles, 39, arrived as an assistant to Ralph Hasenhuttl last summer – but found his role reduced under Jones.

After masterminding a 1-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday, the Spaniard admitted that he would like the job full time.

He said: "I want to be the manager. And as you asked me three or four months ago, I think I’m capable of doing that just as any other manager.

“But that is not my decision and that is okay for me. I just put everything I can and we are working really hard.

“Those are my skills and those in the club will make a decision, but of course, I will be more than happy to get the job.”


Source: Read Full Article