BILLY Jones has the chance to take on former club Cheltenham Town tomorrow after his short-term contract with Newport County AFC was extended for a further month, writes Andrew Penman.

The versatile defender, who has played at left wing-back and in central defence since joining the Exiles in September, will remain at the club until after the trip to Portsmouth on December 14.

The 30-year-old made 46 appearances for the Robins last season as they progressed to the League Two play-offs, where they lost in the semi-final to Northampton Town.

He had signed a two-year deal at Whaddon Road following his arrival from Exeter City in July 2012 but was released by Robins manager Mark Yates in September this year.

With 11 league assists, Jones set-up more goals than midfielders Kaid Mohamed, Marlon Pack and Jermaine McGlashan combined last season.

But the arrival of 25-year-old Craig Braham-Barrett from Macclesfield eventually forced him out of the team.

And Jones will feel he has a point to prove to his former boss should he feature for the Exiles.

Yates was less than complimentary about Jones’ abilities after announcing the player’s contract termination.

“It's a deal that suited all parties,” said the Cheltenham boss in September.

“The club came and put something to Billy and myself so that we could part.

“We just felt he’d hit a brick wall and didn’t feel that he could contribute.

“Last season took a lot out of him and he was fantastic for us.

“With a squad like ours we can’t have any passengers. He’s a great lad to have around but we weren’t looking to use him.

“We wish Billy all the best and thank him for his time here.”

Jones has made a mockery of those sentiments since moving to Rodney Parade.

He scored a stunning debut goal within three minutes of first pulling on a County shirt against Morecambe and has filled in superbly for the injured Harry Worley and Andrew Hughes in central defence in recent weeks.