Jones Named New Vice-Captain

Gethin Jones is to take over as Wanderers’ new vice-captain as he moves towards a first-team return.

Jones has been out of action since October after suffering a stress leg fracture.

But the right-back, 26, is due to step up his comeback in the Reserves on Tuesday.

And manager Ian Evatt confirmed that Jones – who signed a new contract with Wanderers earlier this season – will also take on added responsibility as the number-two to skipper Ricardo Almeida Santos following the departure of Eoin Doyle to St Patrick’s Athletic.

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“We have missed him immensely in the last few months and we’re delighted to have him back,” said Evatt.

“Gethin is a wonderful person and a leader. He’s a big part of our group and we’ve missed him.

“He will take over Eoin’s vice-captaincy and his leadership qualities are something we’ve missed.”

After allowing Doyle to return home to Ireland and signing striker Dion Charles and on-loan Fulham full-back Marlon Fossey, Evatt is continuing to look to strengthen in other areas as Wanderers aim to stay active in the transfer market.

And among his targets the Whites’ boss is eyeing the possible arrival of a new keeper following a re-shuffle in the goalkeeping department.

Matt Gilks is to concentrate his efforts on a coaching position as Andy Fairman reverts to his previous role in the Academy, with teenage prospect Luke Hutchinson ending his loan spell with Atherton Collieries to challenge for a place in the senior set-up.

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“Luke has done very well out on loan at Atherton and has also been involved in some England camps,” added Evatt.

“We felt the need to tweak the goalkeeping department and Matt will take over the role he initially started in last season and go back to coaching full-time.

“Luke will come back and compete with Joel and, also, we’ll be looking to strengthen that department in this window – as well as all other areas of the squad.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Kieran Lee has returned to full training following his COVID-enforced absence and will be included in Wanderers’ squad to face Wycombe as the Whites return home on Tuesday night.

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