Journeyman Jones back to his roots

STEVE JONES shows his trickery for Motherwell during the Scottish Cup final against Celtic.

Ex-Chadderton winger is on the look-out for new club
AS his search for a new club begins, Steve Jones admits it will be difficult to beat the “memorable” atmosphere of the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park at the end of last season.

The former Chadderton winger has turned down a new contract at Motherwell in order to move closer to his family in Failsworth, but will never forget the feeling of running out in front of 60,000 supporters in a late substitute appearance.

Jones (34) has come a long way since leaving Chadderton for Blackpool in 1995, before stints with Bury, Sligo Rovers, Chorley, Leigh, Crewe, Burnley, Walsall and most recently at Fir Park, as well as several loan spells.

He said: “The atmosphere at Hampden was absolutely electric.

“I expected as much because having played at Parkhead a few weeks earlier, I came to understand just how fanatical the Celtic fans are.

“Obviously we lost the final, but to be part of such a big occasion ranks up there as one of my career highlights. It was memorable.”

And there are quite a few of those. Jones still chuckles about the time he took home Paolo Maldini’s shorts following his international debut for Northern Ireland against Italy in 2003, and when he gave Spain and Barcelona legend Carlos Puyol the runaround a few months later at Windsor Park.

“I loved every minute of playing for my country,” he added.

“My debut was Italy away — as if debuts aren’t daunting enough already!

“We lost 2-0. As soon as the final whistle was blown I headed over to their players. I got Damiano Tomassi’s shirt, which is now framed on my wall, and Maldini’s shorts.

“Some people would be tempted to put them on Ebay, but as far as I am concerned they are going nowhere.

“Not long after that I played my first home international, which is an honour for any player.

“We drew 0-0 with Spain and I was marked by Puyol, but I would like to think I kept him busy. We played brilliantly that night.”

Like many footballers, Jones has a superstition.

He explained: “I am convinced that Queens Park Rangers are my lucky team!

“I scored two goals against them on my debut for Crewe, and did exactly the same thing in my first appearance for Burnley.”

Now Jones is looking to start the next chapter in his career.

“I am a free agent now so this summer I hope to find a club in the North-West and hit the ground running,” he added.

“I enjoyed my time in Scotland but, it is the right time to move closer to my family.”