STEVE Tully has backed Billy Jones to make an instant impact at Exeter City following his return to St James's Park.

Tully is one of six current players — along with Richard Logan, Adam Stansfield, Paul Jones, Bertie Cozic and Rob Edwards — who played with Jones during his first stint with the Grecians between 2005 and 2007.

And with Danny Seaborne signing for Southampton in the January transfer window, loanee George Friend not coming back and Edwards unlikely to be a regular starter next season, Tully thinks it was essential that manager Paul Tisdale brought in a left-sided defender.

And he is confident that Jones will be a hit in the Grecians' second season in the newly-renamed npower League One.

"You know what you are going to get out of Billy," said Tully. "He is a consistent performer and a good attacking player.

"He has got a good left foot and I think the team will benefit from him being here. He is a good player and I am looking forward to seeing him again.

"Since Dan (Seaborne) departed, a left-sided defender is what we have been missing. We will get real quality from his corners and free-kicks, which is always a plus. He is a very adaptable player who can play at left-back, left of the three and also as a left wing-back.

"He can get up and down and he will give the manager a lot more options."

The arrival of Jones, coupled with the fact that Scott Golbourne is on the verge of signing a new contract, means City will have nine defenders on their books next season.

And although Tisdale is an advocate of five at the back, Tully has warned there will be stiff competition for places.

"Everyone is going to have to fight for their place," he said. "All of us will want to start the first game of the season.

"I didn't manage to start the first game last season and I had to fight hard to force my way into the side."

And, while Tully thinks City have a solid defensive unit for next season, he insists the club needs more firepower up front.

"We have got a good crop of defenders," he said. "That is an area we have been strong and Billy will make it even stronger.

"It is the top end we want to improve on and, if we can get a few players in to strengthen the side, that will be great.

"When we were on top of teams last season we didn't always kill them off when we had the chance. When that happens, it always puts pressure on you at the other end.

"I am not saying we are going to start beating teams two and three nil if we address that area. But it is about taking your chances and it does the confidence of the team no end of good having players in the side who are scoring goals."