Ex-Premier League boss shocks fans by backing non-league minnows in step eleven… and gets an assist

NATHAN JONES is back in football – just over a week after being axed from Southampton.

The Welshman was given the boot by Saints last week after a torrid run of results following his appointment last November.

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But he hasn’t taken an extended break from playing and has laced his shoes to play in the 12th tier of English football.

Jones, 49, has signed for Cranborne FC, for whom he made his debut against Wareham Rangers Reserve on Saturday.

And he made an immediate impression at his new club by notching an early assist.

Cranborne’s official account tweeted: “And it’s an early goal!

“Debutant Nathan Jones plays a great cross from the left and Driscoll scores!”

A picture of Jones in action made the rounds on social media, with one footy fan saying, “What a guy!”

Another said: “He’s a one-of-a-kind guy, you have to give him that.”

And another said: “Crazy story. One week you’re in charge of the Premier League, the next you’re playing in the Dorset League.”

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One remarked: “Last Saturday as manager of Southampton, playing for the mighty Cranes this Saturday. Brilliant.”

Another chimed in: “Fair play to him.”

Jones’ debut didn’t last long, however, as he left the field after ten minutes with a calf injury.

Jones reportedly answered Cranborne’s call for an extra body when they were short of a player.

And the former Luton boss is said to have jumped at the opportunity to help out the club that one of his close friends plays for.

Jones left Southampton after winning eight games of which they lost seven, a Premier League low.