Former Bristol Rovers youngster hoping to take his chances in the Vanarama National League

Ryan Jones, who has signed for National League side Aldershot Town on a two-year deal, has impressed during a loan spell in Berkshire two seasons ago.

Jones signed for Hungerford Town, then in the National League South, on an initial one-month deal in September 2022 from Bristol Rovers, but impressed enough to stay at Bulpit Lane for the rest of the campaign, winning the Young Player of the Season the club. award.

Such was his influence on the team that manager Danny Robinson, who hailed him as one of the brightest talents he had ever worked with, moved him from full-back to a more advanced role as the season progressed.

The ground at Bulpit Lane was not, at the time, an obvious place for a technician like Jones to thrive, but the versatile youngster looked completely out of step and wowed Crusaders fans with a series of spectacular performances.

Able to play anywhere on the left, but probably most effective on the wing, Jones is a joy to watch with the ball at his feet.

Related: Bristol Rovers West Berkshire connection that got the best of two Gas youngsters

Able to go both ways, cultured, intelligent, a threat going forward, both with the ability to get past opponents or pick out an incisive pass, it was a surprise to see Jones fight for minutes at the eventual winners of promotion to the National League, Bromley last season.

Injuries meant he had to wait until October to make his Ravens debut, but despite having his loan deal extended in January, he was limited to just a handful of appearances at Hayes Lane.

Perhaps what worked against him was his lack of physicality – while his considerable talent as a technician more than compensated for his slight stature in the future, it may leave him wanting defensively.

Even so, boasting big, broad shoulders isn’t a prerequisite to being a successful full-back, and the 22-year-old’s undeniable possession ability means Aldershot could have a star on their hands.

Robbie Stelling was sports reporter for Newbury Today and kindly submitted this article to Football in Berkshire. You can follow him on Twitter @StellingRobbie