IT PROMISES to be an emotional reunion when Gary Jones steps on the Valley Parade turf again next Sunday.

The fist-pumping midfield warrior who led City through a season of dreams is guaranteed the reception fit for a returning hero. His legendary status in club folklore will not be tainted one bit by the fact he is sporting Notts County colours.

But the visiting mascots don’t seem quite so blown away by the prospect. Jones might be daddy to them but Daisy and Frankie Jones have their own favourite, City skipper Stephen Darby.

“The kids want to walk out with Darbs,” laughed Jones. “I think they’d rather hold his hand than mine.

“They still sing his name around the house so I shouldn’t be surprised!”

Jones shouldn’t be too harsh on either of them for preferring his former City car companion – after all, they helped keep him on his toes during a summer spent waiting for the phone to ring.

With no club fixed up after leaving City, the veteran had the unusual experience of training by himself.

“It was strange because I was just working on my own. Well actually, I was working with the kids and chasing them round.

“They gave me a decent pre-season because I never got a minute’s peace.

“In all fairness, it was quite difficult training by myself because you are used to doing it with the team all the time. Maybe I should have thought about hiring Nick Allamby – but I probably couldn’t afford him!”

Notts County finally made their move on the eve of the season and Jones was reunited with Garry Thompson at Meadow Lane.

“Nothing had come up, to be fair. Then Thommo signed for Notts County and (manager) Shaun Derry asked for my number.

“It just snowballed from there. I played in a friendly for them and signed the week before the start of the season.

“It came about quite quick but it has turned out really well so far.”

At 37, he continues to defy Father Time. With 21 appearances for the Magpies, Jones shows no sign of easing up.

He added: “I’m still hanging in there by my finger nails. I’m really enjoying it and that’s the main thing.

“If you enjoy going into work every morning and training then there’s no reason why you should stop.

“As the saying goes, you are a long time retired in football. I still get that buzz from playing and I’m not thinking about giving it up yet.”

Jones is back on familiar territory this afternoon when County travel to Rochdale, the club where he holds the record for the most appearances. It will be the first time he has been back – he missed the chance with City through injury.

“It’s funny because I’ve never played at any of my old clubs before and now I’m doing it twice in about a week.

“I’m really looking forward to both games but I can’t wait to come back to Bradford.

“I honestly never thought I would have the chance, so going back will really be great.

“The fans were brilliant with me and it’s going to be a special day, I’m sure.

“All my family are coming – my kids, my wife and mum and dad.

“It will be weird going into the away dressing room but I’ve been in there a few times. I know how tiny it is – it’s like trying to get changed in a cupboard.”

And does Jones feel he has a point to prove with Phil Parkinson?

“I’m not too sure about that,” he said. “I had two great years at Bradford but things happen in football.

“It will be lovely to see the old faces and friends again but I don’t think there’s anything to prove. Sometimes you’ve just got to move on.”

If County avoid defeat at Spotland today, they will arrive at Valley Parade as the country’s only unbeaten team on their travels. They have taken 19 points on the road but have lost five at home, just like the Bantams.

Jones said: “I don’t want to tempt fate but up to now we’ve been great away. We just can’t win at home.

“It’s the same with Bradford, we’re exceptions to the rule. Look at the two home records and it’s a complete reverse of what you’d expect.

“I think we are quietly confident we can do something decent. But that’s if we can sort our home form out

“The season’s gone well so far and we’re just outside the play-offs now. We’ve got some tough fixtures over Christmas but if we can get through them and still be around the top six, then there’s no reason why we can’t continue to push on.

“It’s a wide open division, although Bristol City and Swindon are obviously up there.

“We played Swindon last Saturday and they gave us a right good hiding. They are the best team in the league in my eyes and they aren’t even top.

“But any teams who can put a decent run together over Christmas will fancy their chances going into the new year. I’m sure Bradford will be thinking the same.

“The philosophy has changed with the way Phil wants to play. They’ve gone down the route of passing it more.

“The squad has changed from my time but there are some good players. I’m sure they will be there or thereabouts.”