Latics target County goalkeeper

Last updated : 06 January 2003 By Paul Farrington
Jones: Target
Jones was placed on the transfer list after Stockport's Boxing Day clash with Mansfield Town, after Palmer blamed Jones for one of Town's goals as well as accusing him of making a few other errors in recent matches.

Jones commented in the Manchester Evening News that he would be more than happy to see out his current contract at Edgeley Park but he couldn't see that happening with Carlton Palmer at the helm. Despite being placed on the transfer list, Jones has played in County's last two matches and hasn't let the current situation affect him as he has been in impressive form.

Speaking in the Manchester Evening News Jones said:

"As long as the manager is at Stockport it looks as though there is no future for me here but if circumstances were different, who knows? I'm in no hurry to go, especially with a year and a half left on my contract, but if the manager doesn't want me, and it means being in the reserves for 18 months, then I'd rather leave.

If Jones is forced to leave the club then he is hoping that his new employer's won't be based too far away from his current home in Northwich by adding:

"If it means moving away I will do it, because I've done it before, Ideally I'd like to stay in the area. There are certainly plenty of clubs within about an hour's drive from where I live, to choose from. I'd like to join a team that is at least in Division Two. But if it means dropping down a division, to earn a new contract and regular first team football, then I'm prepared to do it."

This would certainly suggest that the Latics have made a few enquiries and the 6ft3" keeper would not cost much, he joined County from Bristol Rovers for £50,000 and a similar fee would be commanded here.

Watch this space, you'll hear it here first.