Phil Parkinson has revealed how Gary Jones caught his eye by accident.

The City boss is convinced that Jones will play a key role next season as one of the on-field “leaders” he is trying to bring to the club.

But Parkinson admitted that his interest in the 35-year-old midfielder began almost by chance.

He said: “I was watching a few Rochdale games on DVD because I was looking at another player.

“But this number eight kept catching my eye all the time. He was always in the picture and seemed to be involved in everything.

“That almost coincided with the agent then calling me and saying that Gary might be available and would I be interested.

“Of course I was. His drive from midfield and the positive side of his play really made an impression on me.”

Having worked with City number two Steve Parkin at Spotland, Parkinson knew he was getting the right character on and off the pitch.

He said: “Steve told me all about the standards that Gary sets in training. He’s what we want at this football club.

“I know he will be a big influence on people around him, especially some of the younger players. That’s very important for what we are trying to build.”

Ross Hannah met Jones for the first time last week and was immediately impressed.

The City striker said: “He really seems like a bloke who wants to do well. He’s got great experience, he’s won promotion from this league and he knows what it’s all about.”