Jones just wants to be number one

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

25 April 2008

MICHAEL JONES is targeting a new contract and the chance to become first choice goalkeeper at Wrexham.

Jones is in line to make just his fourth appearance of the season when Wrexham entertain Accrington Stanley at The Racecourse tomorrow (3pm).

Manager Brian Little is set to give Jones his opportunity following Wrexham's relegation to the Blue Square Premier Division.

And although Jones would like to stay at Wrexham, the 20-year-old admits it is time for him to be playing more regularly and he wants the chance to stake his claim for a permanent spot in the team if handed a new deal.

"The aim is to get a new contract," said Jones today. "I would be happy to stay at Wrexham if I am in the manager's plans and help the club get back in the Football League.

"But I don't want to be sitting around. I am not classed as a kid anymore and I need to push on.

"I have been here four years and want to be playing. I have had four years of sitting on the bench and people playing in front of me.

"I felt in the last couple of years I should have had a chance to play more but I have not been put in. I don't know whether that's because we have been in relegation battles for the last two years.

"Hopefully, if I get a contract, things will change. I'd like to stay and get a chance to be number one.

"The aim is to be first choice. I have bided my time, hopefully my time will come."

Jones was famously handed his first team debut by former manager Denis Smith as a 17-year-old trainee when he was brought on as second half substitute for Spaniard Xavi Valero at Chesterfield in January 2005.

In the 2005-06 season, Jones – still a trainee – went on to make six starts and one substitute appearance as back up to Michael Ingham.

Jones was then taken on as a professional, signing a two-year deal, but last season only made two starts as loan signings John Ruddy and Anthony Williams, as well as Ingham, were ahead of him in the pecking order.

Williams and current number one Gavin Ward have shared the duties this term meaning Jones has been restricted to three starts – two in the Carling Cup and one League Two outing against Barnet in October.

And Jones is disappointed not to have featured more regularly: "I will be pleased if I get my chance tomorrow, he said. "I have waited a while for a chance so I hope it comes soon.

"In my time with Wrexham, I have played more when I was a YTS than in the two years here as a professional and I am disappointed with that.

"My chances have been limited.

"And when I have played this season, I have not done bad but have made a few mistakes which stand out as a keeper."

Jones has been brought back early from a loan spell with Hinckley United who helped retain their Conference North status, with the club unbeaten in seven matches during his brief spell.

And Liverpool-born Jones admits he has benefited from going out on loan: "I enjoyed my time at Hinckley, they are a good bunch of lads, and it really helped me along," he added.

"It made me realise what the game is all about, and playing a run of games was great. It brings confidence.

"I didn't do bad there, letting in one goal in each of the first six games and keeping a clean sheet in the last one.

"And in those seven games we did not lose so I would like to think I helped Hinckley stay up.

"I helped them, and they helped me."