GARETH Jones will again be manager of Llandrindod Wells FC in the Spar Mid Wales League first division next season.
Jones had been named assistant with the Broadway club announcing a major coup earlier in the week in naming Leighton James as manager. But the former Welsh International advised chairman, Nigel Thomas on Wednesday that he would be unable to take up the post due to ill health.
James made 645 appearances in the Football League, scoring 124 goals. He amassed 54 caps for Wales and at club level, played for Burnley, Derby County, QPR, Swanseas City, Sunderland, Bury and Newport County.
He twice managed League of Wales side, Llanelli and enjoyed spells as manager at Gainsborough, Morecombe, Netherfield, Likeston Town, Accrington Stanley, Garden Village, Aberaman Athletic and Haverfordwest County.
Llandrindod FC Chairman, Nigel Thomas said: “In my position as club chairman, I was thrilled at the prospect of having a legend of Welsh Football at the helm of our club. It would have been a massive boost to our club and to Mid Wales football in general.
"Leighton was very keen to work with our talented local players and had stated his attention to attract other talented local players to the club where he would have been able to pass on his undoubted professional abilities in developing them into better footballers.
"Having the much respected Gareth Jones as his assistant was also a very positive move in getting the Club back to a position as one of the premier Mid Wales clubs. Now first and foremost we wish Leighton all the best in his recovery from illness."
Gareth Jones is no stranger to the role of manager as he led Llandrindod to the first division title in 2013-2014 before overseeing their one campaign in the Huws Gray Alliance the following season.
Pre-season training started on July 5 at The Broadway where all players, both old and new are welcome to attend while the club held their Annual General Meeting last Sunday night.