City today swooped for experienced Rochdale skipper Gary Jones on a one-year deal.

The 35-year-old midfielder made 531 appearances for Dale and steered them to their first promotion in 41 years in 2010.

Jones, who nearly signed for Peter Jackson last summer, has a reputation for scoring goals from midfield and replaces Doncaster-bound David Syers.

He said: "You seek fresh challenges in football and this is a great one for myself.

"I came here last year but the Rochdale manager persuaded me to stay. 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 by him. I’ve played here a lot of times, it’s a great club and I can’t wait to get started."

Parkinson was delighted to make Jones his third signing of the summer.

The City chief said: "He’s a leader and has a great desire to play football.

"He played 50 games last season in League One and the same the year before.

"With Dave Syers going, we had the opportunity to utilise that money and we’ve done that to bring Gary in.

"I think he’s going to be a big signing for us."