Former Southampton boss Nathan Jones provides assist on Dorset Football League debut for 12th-tier side Cranborne FC – a week after being axed by Premier League struggling Saints
Nathan Jones swapped the Premier League for the Dorset Football League just a week after being sacked by Southampton.
But the 49-year-old was on the pitch instead of the touchline as he made his debut for 12th-tier side Cranborne FC.
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Jones was relieved of his duties on February 12 after just 14 games in charge, having won just one Premier League match.
But he finally got a win under his belt after helping his teammates beat Wareham Rangers Reserves 4-0.
After failing to make at impact at St Mary's having left the club in 20th place, he made an instant impression just minutes into his first outing for the Cranes on Saturday.
Jones supplied the assist for Cranborne's opening goal, with the club tweeting: "And it’s a goal early on!
"Debutant Nathan Jones puts a great cross in from the left, and Driscoll scores!"
Though unfortunately for the ex-Brighton, Southend and Yeovil star, he was forced to come off inside ten minutes after picking up a calf injury.
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Social media was loving Jones' debut, as one user quipped: "Mad story. One week you’re managing in the Premier League, the next you’re playing in the Dorset League."
Another posted: "With the greatest of respect, what a debut."
A third added: "Last Saturday managing Southampton, this Saturday playing for the mighty Cranes. Brilliant."
This fan then stated: "He’s unironically the most hilarious manager to come into the Prem."
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According to Daily Echo reporter Alfie House, Jones helped out Cranborne who had been in need of an extra player.
It has been said that the former Luton boss is close friends with one of the squad members, and was more than happy to lend a hand for the club.
The win has seen Cranborne move up to fourth spot in the Division One table.
Southampton didn't miss Jones in their first match without him, as they shocked Chelsea to win 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday thanks to a brilliant James Ward-Prowse free-kick.