Full-back rejoins Cheltenham Town Women after Exeter City spell
Cheltenham Town Women have added depth to their defence with the return of full-back Courtney Jones, who rejoins the club from Exeter City.
Jones made 70 appearances for Cheltenham between 2020 and 2024, having left at the end of last season, where she joined Exeter City, who had just been promoted to the Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.
Jones made 16 appearances for Exeter, and she had nothing but praise for her time at the Grecians.
“I loved my short stint at Exeter, it was a great club to play for but ultimately, I had to make the decision to leave to try and get minutes elsewhere," Jones said.
“The players and staff have been nothing but supportive, and the transition has been really smooth, so I just want to thank them for that."
Her second stint at the club sees her reunite with manager Tom Davies, and in that time the side got promoted to the WNL Southern Premier Division (tier three) and matched their then club record of reaching the third round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
“I’m excited to be back at Cheltenham, I have a lot of love for this club! I’m buzzing to be back playing alongside some familiar faces," Jones said.
“Tom and I have known each other for years now, he knows what I can offer and ultimately I know what’s expected of me."
The defender re-joins Cheltenham whilst the side are currently in a purple patch of form, having won eight out of their last 10 games.
In that time, they’ve made history twice, having reached the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, and the final of the Women’s National League Plate, both for the first time.
She rejoins the club as Cheltenham look to kickstart their league campaign again when they welcome Oxford United to Kayte Lane on Sunday, with the team only 12 points off breaking their points record for the third tier, with nine games still to play.
“The team are currently on a fantastic run; they’ve had some positive results and performances. There’s a real togetherness amongst the players and staff and confidence is high," Jones said.
“The girls are always working hard to make sure they’re getting the right results on a match day."
Along with the upcoming WNL Plate Final, which will see Davies’ side take on WNL Division One South West side AFC Bournemouth, Cheltenham are also still in the Gloucestershire County Cup, so it could end up being a fantastic end to an already history making campaign.
“We want to pick up as many points as possible and get silverware in the Plate and County Cup. I don’t doubt this team will be on the end of positive results as we all continue to work hard.”
Finally, Jones was asked on her time with the UK Armed Forces football team, which last year saw her captain the side, and saw her represent the Armed Forces at the Women’s FA Cup Final.
“It’s always an honour playing for the army, and representing the UKAF team, it brings me so much pride. Even though it makes my football season busy, I wouldn’t change it," Jones said.
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