Veteran Gary Jones insists he is not coming to Valley Parade for one last pay day.

The former Rochdale stalwart played a staggering 531 games in 11 years at Spotland and was an ever-present for the past two seasons in League One.

He recently turned 35 but City’s third summer signing stressed that there was still plenty left in the tank.

Jones, who has agreed a one-year deal, said: “A lot of people stray away from older players. People have been telling me I’m past it since I was 30!

“It’s how you feel and I’m absolutely fine. The last two years I’ve played every game and my fitness is good.

“I’m not coming here to make up the numbers. I want to do well and hopefully get promoted.

“I think this will really revitalise me. It’s the kick up the backside that I needed.”

Player of the year Luke Oliver has also committed his future to the club after signing his two-year deal yesterday.

The big centre half, City’s most improved performer last term, will compete with new signings Rory McArdle and Andrew Davies for a starting slot.

Jones, who has a reputation as a goal-scoring midfielder, fills the gap left by David Syers. And Phil Parkinson stressed he was crossing the Pennines for all the right reasons.

Parkinson said: “I can assure you Gary is not coming here for financial gain. It’s not about money but the challenge ahead.

“We had the money for Dave Syers for that kind of position and Gary wanted to come to be successful here.

“You need nous on the pitch to win football games. You need to be able to kill off games when you’re winning or keep driving forward when you’re getting beaten.

“Gary will add a lot to us in that respect. He has a great desire to play football, which is why he always wants to be out there and he affects the people around him.

“His leadership qualities are going to be important to us.

“I think it will be a great move for him. I think he’ll have a new lease of life.”

Jones skippered Dale to their first promotion for 41 years in 2010 and top-scored with 19 goals the following season. He nearly joined City last year and had talks with Peter Jackson before deciding to stay put.

He added: “I didn’t think it was the right time to leave then. But I met Phil Parkinson a few weeks ago and was really impressed.

“What he was saying about the club was very persuasive. It was refreshing and something I hadn’t heard for a while.

“I also know Steve Parkin and Rory McArdle from Rochdale and I’ve played against Ricky Ravenhill a few times. They were all factors.

“This club have been down in the doldrums the last few years in the lower regions of League Two.

“Don’t get me wrong, this is a hard league to get out of, but with the management team, the supporters and the players we’ve got, hopefully it will be a recipe for success.”