Loanee hopes he can be of lasting value to club

Ryan Jones is hoping to help push Bath City up the table.

The 19-year-old has arrived from League Two Bristol Rovers on a month’s loan and was thrown into the starting XI at Dartford last Saturday.

The direct winger had only met his teammates once before the long trip to Kent.

“It’s always going to be difficult coming in with just one training session,” he admitted.

“But you’ve got to be confident in yourself and be vocal.

“It was definitely a tough game, it was always going to be coming to a team that’s near the top of the league.

“I thought we all put in good performances and hopefully we can build on it going forward.”

Jones played against City for Weston-super-mare in a friendly in September 2020, a month before then-rovers boss Ben Garner signed him on a three-year contract.

He was loaned back to Weston last season before making his debut under Joey Barton at the Memorial Stadium in the EFL Cup last August, but Saturday was his first taste of National League South action.

“The leagues are more physical as you go through them,” said Jones.

“There are a lot of similarities in terms of tempo but today was more of a physical battle than the level below.

“I’ve been training with the first team at Bristol Rovers all year but haven’t had a run of games.

“I’m hoping I can do that here, putting in some good performances and helping Bath along the way, then aspire to be in the first team at Bristol Rovers.

“People have told me this is a brilliant place to come to get minutes and games under your belt.

“I’m just happy I’m here to be honest.”

Jones was ineligible for Tuesday’s trip to Welton Rovers but will be available for Saturday’s league match at St Albans City.