Hard work and commitment is key, says Jones

Often in sport, it is the character of a professional that matters most, rather than talent, writes Nick Westby.

When Rob Jones reflects on the people he has shared a dressing room with for 45 games of the League One campaign, it is not necessarily what they do on the pitch that matters most to him, but how they hold themselves on and off it.

Words like work-rate, resolve and sacrifice, mean as much to the 33-year-old from Stockton-on Tees defender, than scoring record, technique or ability do.

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It is the qualities he so craves in a fellow professional that he has seen in abundance at the Keepmoat Stadium, and for him, the main reason why they are one point away from achieving promotion.

“We are where we are because of the work-rate and desire and determination from individuals, and they work together very well as part of a team and as part of a squad,” said Jones.

“There’s not a bad one amongst us and not many clubs can say that. We have a very good group who work very hard for each other and it shows when we go out on the pitch.

“We’re a very tight-knit group and it’s good when you have a lot of experience out on the training ground.

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“Over the whole season we’ve shown a resolve time and time again.

“We have very good squad, very good individuals, and that hasn’t changed all season.”

That collective professionalism has made the job Jones was handed in January even easier. When Dean Saunders left a week into the new year, Jones was asked to temporarily assist Brian Flynn until a new manager was sought.

After one week and one win, the experimental duo were handed the reins until the end of the season, with the task of clinching promotion.

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And Jones was delighted yesterday to sign a two-year deal to stay on as player and coach at Rovers.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said. “I like the fact that people come and ask me questions rather than me going to ask others questions.

“I like the fact I know the answers...or most of them.

“It’s been invaluable to me and I’ve made no secret that I want to go into management and this has given me an insight into that.

“It’s been tough at times, trying to balance both scenarios, but I’ve loved it and it just cements what I want to do when I finish playing.”

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The task today is to ensure he gets a promotion on his cv, as player and coach.

Jones said: “I’m here every day and I see them working every minute to improve themselves and that’s why we are where we are today.

“I’m sure there’s a few nerves but I’m trying to keep them as relaxed as possible.”