Competition for places keeps Jones on his toes

MIKE JONES . . . back to the height of his powers.

MIKE Jones was back to the peak of his form at Colchester, in the knowledge that any dip could open the door to midfield rivals.

Last season’s player of the year was at the heart of most of Athletic’s good work in the scoreless midweek draw.

Another player who enjoyed high times with the club last season, Carl Winchester, was an unused substitute at the Weston Homes Community Stadium after he began the season quietly. And with George Green and particularly David Dunn both eager to pin down starting roles, Jones accepts he needs to maintain his standards.

“The midfield is very competitive and it’s what you want — it makes every one of us work even harder and we will be fighting for places,” Jones said.

“You can tell David Dunn’s quality from a mile away. He has that bit of class and if we can get him fit and starting games he will be a brilliant addition.”

Jones has been having treatment on a knee issue that restricted him during pre-season, missing the Middlesbrough game before returning against Fleetwood.

Back at home on Saturday he hopes to help Athletic nail down more points against Shrewsbury. Having a squad as competitive as it is, Jones says, can only help as Athletic aim to keep pace near the top of the early standings.

He said: “We have really got to put down a marker at home this season. We probably gave away too many points last year, slipping up too many times.

“I think we are a better side than we were last season. Sometimes, fans look at how many players are coming in, but we have kept the same squad and not many have left.

“Obviously, George Elokobi and Adam Lockwood have gone, but the core of our team hasn’t been lost.”