TAIT ADAM-ANT HE’S READY

ADAM JONES is all set to step up to the top flight again after quitting Basingstoke.

And Bison’s boss Ashley Tait is backing the talented defenceman to be a big hit second time around.

Jones, 24, had brief spells in the Elite League with Guildford and Belfast three seasons ago but made only a total of 11 appearances.

But Tait, who spent 25 years at the highest domestic level before taking over as Bison player-coach in 2018, is backing him to become an Elite League regular.

He said: “He was probably our most consistent player last year and it’s obviously a big loss but I kind of knew it was going to happen.

“He wants to play at a higher level and I’m not going to stand in his way.

“I have been able to give him some advice but he’s not stupid, he’s got a Masters and he wants to become a full-time player in the Elite League.”

Jones is one of seven players leaving Basingstoke this summer but Tait said: “There’s definitely four new faces coming in and I have got an offer out for someone too.

“Going forward I’m pretty happy because I do have a really good core of guys from last season.”

Meanwhile, Jordan Smotherman has left Belfast after signing for Worcester Railers.

The 34-year-old American forward won both the league and Challenge Cup in his 18 months with the Giants.

And Canadian Sam Jardine, the second highest ranked defenceman in the Elite League last season, has signed a deal to stay at Cardiff for a second year.