Jones: Why I'm leaving Wrexham

By Rob Griffiths, Daily Post

18 April 2008

Wrexham midfielder Mark Jones says he will definitely be leaving the club this summer, whether the Dragons avoid relegation or not.

Jones admits he does not know where he will end up next season, but it will not be at the Racecourse.

“It’s definitely been a difficult decision to make,” he said. “I’ve been at Wrexham since I was eight years old and I am a fan of the club, but I just felt it was time to move on.

“I wanted a new challenge, just something different. I haven’t been playing for the last two months and it’s been really difficult to be on the sidelines watching while we have been struggling at the bottom of the table.

“I’ve not been able to do anything about it and that’s the disappointing thing for me.”

Jones is out of contract in the summer, but will not be allowed to leave on a free transfer as he does not turn 24 until August, and therefore compensation is required.

High-flying Swansea and Cardiff, plus Burnley and Barnsley, are among those said to be monitoring the Wales international.

“My mind is made up and that is the end of it,” he added. “It’s not down to the idea of international football either, it’s never been about that. I just feel the time is right to for a new challenge.”

Jones also had a message to the Wrexham supporters, saying: “The fans at Wrexham have been fantastic, and it has been a really difficult decision for me to make.

“Even when we have been down at the bottom of the table and I have been playing badly they still get behind the club, every one of them.

“I’m not leaving with any kind of malice at all, everyone at the club has been great with me, but this is something I feel I have to do.”