Jones at the crossroads

DANIEL JONES . . . one year left on his Wolves contract.

ON-LOAN Daniel Jones has mixed emotions about the promotion of his parent club, Wolves, to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old, who has spent most of this season at Boundary Park, is delighted that Wolves, with whom he has been associated since the age of nine, are back in the big time.
But Jones admits that the return of the club to the top flight has diminished his chances of establishing a first-team place at Molineux.

He said: “I still have one year left on my contract at Wolves, but I don’t know what the future holds.

“It would be a dream if I could challenge for a place in the team in the Premier League.

“I have to be realistic, however, as I have been out on loan and haven’t played at all for Wolves this season.

“I would have thought they will be looking to bring in more experienced players this summer so I don’t know what the future will hold.

“I am just delighted for the lads because it is great for the club and fans that they are back in the Premier League.”

Jones, who has made 10 league appearances for Wolves, says manager Mick McCarthy and his No. 2 Terry Connor have done “wonders” to take them back to the top flight.

They have assembled a big squad with strength in depth which ought to be better equipped to survive than in 2003/04 when Wolves went straight back down again after gaining promotion.

“I was in the under-17 team that year and it was great to see all the big clubs and top players at Molineux, even though it was only for one season,” Jones added.

Defender Jones has no regrets about making the move to Boundary Park, where he has made 25 first-team appearances.

Jones, who spent most of last season on loan at Northampton Town, said: “I came to play football and I have loved my time here.

“That is what I need to be doing next year, but I cannot say at this stage where that will be.”

If Jones is made available by Wolves, there is no doubt Athletic will be interested as he is a player whom stand-in manager Joe Royle rates highly.