FORMER Saints manager Nathan Jones has made a surprise playing appearance at Dorset Division One level just a week after being sacked.

The boss was relieved of his duties at St Mary’s last Sunday after seven defeats in his eight Premier League matches succeeding Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Jones, who maintained a professional playing career until he was 39 thanks to unprecedented personal fitness and diet levels, was spotted on the field this weekend.

The former Yeovil Town Welshman was snapped playing for Dorset Division One Cranborne FC, during their 4-0 win on Saturday.

The Daily Echo is told Jones, 49, is good friends with one of the players and was called in to help out, with the manager’s weekends currently free for the first time in years.

It is expected that the hiring and firing of Jones over a three-month period cost Saints millions of pounds, leaving the club bottom of the Premier League too.

But the Luton Town legend showed a humble side to run out for the local outfit, setting up a goal with a cross from left-back before going off with a knock.

Jones could look to return to professional management this season, and would not be expected to be short of offers by the summertime.