Burton sign Jones and Tavares as Hareide leaves

James Jones played six games for Wrexham this season, the last on 10 December

Burton Albion have signed Wrexham midfielder James Jones in a permanent deal and forward Fabio Tavares on loan from Coventry City.

Jones has agreed an 18-month contract at the Pirelli Stadium after scoring 16 goals in 138 appearances for the Red Dragons.

"The team has great momentum at the minute so hopefully we can carry that on to keep us safe, then we can push on together next year," he said.

Tavares has played 30 games for Coventry but only two this season, and has only made five starts.

Burton are still in the League One relegation places ahead of Saturday's game at Barnsley but have been in excellent form of late under Gary Bowyer, winning their last three and scoring nine goals in the process.

On the signing of 28-year-old Jones, Bowyer said: "When I spoke to him he was excited and wanted to come and join us, (and) he also brings a winning mentality into the group having had back-to-back promotions with Wrexham."

The arrival of Jones and Tavares follows the signings of full-back Owen Dodgson, midfielder JJ McKiernan and forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson earlier this month.

Sporting director Hareide steps down

Meanwhile, Bendik Hareide has stepped down from the Burton board and resigned his job as sporting director of the Nordic Football Group.

He had been on leave of absence since November for personal reasons concerning his daughter and said he was not able to give "full focus and 100% commitment" in the current circumstances.

"Bendik was with us at the start of our journey with Burton Albion last year and we have experienced a lot in this short time, particularly during our first summer where he led on overhauling the entire coaching and playing squad," said deputy chairman Tom Davidson.

"Due to his personal circumstances, we have agreed that now is the right time for Bendik to step away permanently so he can continue to give his full focus to his daughter and family without any distractions."