Gary Jones is simply fan-tastic after being voted T&A City player of the year by the supporters.

Captain marvel Jones lifted the top prize at last night’s Valley Parade awards ceremony – and he was also named the most consistent performer. Jones pipped Andrew Davies and Stephen Darby for the trophy based on the marks out of ten that accompany each T&A match report.

But right back Darby got the nod from his team-mates when he was announced as the City players’ player of the year.

The 650-strong audience, more than double the usual number, were in celebratory mood as City build up for a second trip to Wembley in the League Two play-off final.

Jones, who was last week named in the division’s team of the year and was also shortlisted for the League Two player of the year, acknowledged the efforts of those around him during this record-breaking campaign.

He said: “The team spirit among this group of lads is absolutely frightening.

“I thought this season couldn’t get any better but after beating Burton on Sunday it certainly has.

“To get to Wembley twice in a season after playing 63 games with the same bunch of lads is phenomenal. It’s an absolutely amazing achievement.”

Jones topped the consistency chart with an average mark of 7.17. Centre half Davies was second (7.03) with Darby narrowly behind his fellow defender on 6.98.

Jones, the oldest player at the club, will be 36 a fortnight after the Wembley clash with Northampton. But he has played 53 times this season and only Rory McArdle and James Hanson have started more games.

Kyel Reid, who won the consistency award last season, admits the veteran midfielder continues to defy the odds.

Reid said: “Gary Jones just keeps on going. He might be 35 but he doesn’t stop.

“That rubs off on the rest of the players and gives you that boost to find an extra bit of energy. I hope I’m like that at his age!”