DARREN Jones' return to Newport County AFC appears to have moved a step closer after the defender was released by his club Forest Green Rovers.

A statement from the Conference club reads: "Darren Jones has left the club after it was mutually agreed by both parties to terminate the defender's contract.

"Jones, who returned to The New Lawn in the summer, made only ten league appearances in what was his third spell at the club.

"The 32-year-old leaves Forest Green as the club's third highest ever appearance maker in the fifth tier.

"He is now free to look for a new club."