BOSS Ashley Vincent reckons Craig Jones can help Worcester City stick their rivals on the canvas after agreeing terms with the defender-turned-boxer.

Jones, 28, was a key part in Bromsgrove Sporting’s back-to-back Midland Football League titles and before leaving the Victoria Ground during last season.

He still made 23 appearances as the Rouslers completed a third straight promotion to ensure his place in Victoria Ground folklore.

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Vincent revealed the centre-half has been in demand all summer, fighting off competition for the services of a man he admires for his exploits in the ring and on the pitch.

“I knew about the boxing before signing Craig. Football is his first thing, boxing is a passion but it comes second to him,” said Vincent.

“It is more of a common thing in football than you’d imagine.

"I played with lots of footballers, even in my Football League career, who boxed. They did it for fitness but others like to take it a bit further which is a good thing.

“For me, football is the only thing in my life other than family but other people have other interests, he is obviously very talented and I will give him every support.

“Boxing is an incredible sport, it is very demanding on the fitness and physical side. I trained that way at an old club and it was incredibly tough.

“Mentally it gives you a discipline. It makes you realise what you can and can’t do and you will see that reflect in the way such people compete in games.

“There is a certain amount of aggression but the discipline tells them where the line is. They tend to have very big characters, know themselves and their limits and try to bring out the best in others. I only see it as a positive.”

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Jones is due to attend a meet up of players and staff tomorrow before stepping into the ring for his latest bout in Bilston against a former professional from Russia.

“Without him actually knowing I have been looking to bring in Craig for a couple of months,” Vincent continued.

“I didn’t know if he would be a realistic target but we know some of the same people and I have always liked him as a player.

“I bit the bullet, met with him for a coffee early on a Sunday morning and worked out we matched in what we wanted.

“He had plenty of offers to choose from and I have had to wait to get my man but I was comfortable about doing that because of what he has won recently, the type of player he is speaks for itself.

“It is massive catch for the club. I wanted to get him in but I wanted it to be on his terms.

“We spoke over last night (Thursday) and this morning and we are over the moon.”