SAINTS players today expressed delight at their former boss David Jones being totally exonerated.

Many of the squad have been in touch with Jones leading up to the case.

Jones himself has declared he wants to get back into football again, even if it means working his way up the ladder - although at the moment it is not clear what opportunities are around.

He was a popular figure on the training ground, having arrived at The Dell along with John Sainty in June 1997 from Stockport County.

And, in his first season with the club, he took them to 12th in the Premier League as he was named Managers' Manager of the Year

However, since January last year, Jones has been forced to stand on the sidelines after Glenn Hoddle was handed the reigns.

Skipper Jason Dodd said: "I am so pleased it has come out right for Dave and he has been proved innocent.

"I can't imagine how it has been for him and his family over the past 18 months but I never had any doubts that he was innocent.

"He showed his character by turning up to a charity golf day straight after it had all blown up. It would have been easy for him to pull out but he said he had nothing to hide and said he would honour the commitment."

Chris Marsden was at Stockport with Jones and knows him as well as any of the players.

He said: "I am over the moon for Dave - we all are. It is the worst possible thing to be accused of and it must be such a relief now it is over.

"I spoke to him on the Friday before the case started and I could tell the stress was starting to set in. Up until then he had been really laid-back about it all.

"I would imagine his relief will turn to anger even in him because of what he has lost and the fact it should never have got this far.

"In life you put your trust and judgement in people and no-one here has a bad word to say about him. He is a genuinely nice bloke."

Goalkeeper Paul Jones was also at Stockport with Jones and added: "It is fantastic news. I never had any doubts though and I don't think any of the other lads did either.

"Dave has had 18 months of hell where his name has been bandied about while the kids have all remained anonymous. I can't imagine what it was like for him, but he did not try to hide.

"He did not change. He was superb with us.

"Considering the pressure he was under, I don't know how he managed to keep smiling. It was amazing really."

Club captain Francis Benali said: "When you work so closely with someone you trust your instincts and I found it hard to believe.

"When it first broke, it was a complete shock but Dave was always adamant that he was innocent and none of the players ever thought there was anything in it.

"This is the best Christmas present he could have and I am really delighted for him and his family. All the players wish him well."