ROB JONES is the latest player to commit his future to Hartlepool United.

The experienced centre-half signed a short-term deal with Pools last season after he left Doncaster Rovers, and made seven appearances.

And now the 36-year-old has signed a one-year deal to keep him at Victoria Park, while he will also take up a coaching role with the club’s academy and will be back for pre-season training with his team-mates next Wednesday.

He has almost 400 career appearances to his name, and played for seven other professional clubs as well as a handful of North-East non-league clubs.

Pools boss Craig Hignett said: “He had a really positive influence on the squad when he came in last season; his experience, organisation and ability are benefits to us and he showed that both in games and in training.

“To have him around the place is a bonus for me because he’s a proper professional and the young lads in our group can learn a lot from him.”