By Andrew Penman

FORMER Forest Green captain Darren Jones says he will be forced to leave Newport County AFC unless he is contacted about a new contract before next Saturday.

The 31-year-old defender was one of the big success stories of County’s second season back in the Football League, making 44 appearances and scoring four goals.

And Jones, who took over as skipper from Andy Sandell during the campaign, insists he wants to stay at Rodney Parade next season.

But, seven days after the end of the season, he says he has received no assurances from anyone at the club that he will be offered a new deal.

And, with rival clubs keen to recruit him, Jones says he will reluctantly look to move on if he hears nothing from the Exiles hierarchy before next Saturday.

The Argus understands however that, with new boss Terry Butcher currently on holiday, the club’s retained list will not be released until Monday, May 18, at the earliest.

“I’ve not spoken to the new manager and I’ve heard nothing from the club,” Jones told the Argus.

“It’s been a week since the end of the season and I don’t know what is happening. I have to assume that the club don’t want me to stay on.

 “I’m going to wait until next Saturday and if I don’t hear anything I’ll have to take it as a sign and move on.

“I think I did well enough this season for them to keep me in the loop,” he added.

“Even if they just send me a text message saying yes or no I’d be happier.

“But I’ve had no contact at all since a few weeks before the end of the season and we’ve had a new manager come in since then.”

Newport-born Jones was speaking from his own business in the city – First Stop Autos at Leeway Court near County’s new training base at Spytty Park – and he says he does not want to leave County.

“I’ve enjoyed this season and I would like to stay,” said the former Shrewsbury Town and AFC Wimbledon star, who first left County back in 2005.

“The club has progressed and it would be quality to work with someone of Terry Butcher’s experience.

“If you didn’t learn from him then you won’t learn from anyone and even at my age I’ve still got things to learn.

“But I have got people interested and I’m not scared of moving away because I’ve done it before.

“The situation needs to be sorted quickly because I’ve got a family and kids to feed.

“If I was in a normal job and I wasn’t working I’d be straight down the job centre and this is no different – I need to look after me and my family.”