After rejecting the offer of a new contract in December 2006, Billy completed a switch to Preston North End in the summer of 2007 - but due to his age Crewe Alexandra received compensation rights after nurturing his young talent.
After finishing in 15th spot during his first season at Deepdale, the arrival of the former Everton Assistant manager Alan Irvine helped transform the club into genuine promotion contenders during the 2008/09 season. After pipping Cardiff City on the final day of the season by one goal to a play-off spot they eventually lost a tightly semi-final to Sheffield United 2-1 over two legs.
The highly versatile Jones emerged through the club's renowned youth set up and made a superb impact in his first season in the senior side in 2003/04.
Made his debut as a 16-year-old when he came on as a substitute in the 3-0 home win over Derby County in October 2003 and quickly went on to become a regular in the First Team.
The Shrewsbury born youngster joined the club at an early age after being recommended to manager Dario Gradi by former player Dave Walton. He has worked his way through the Academy sides and has captained England at all levels up to Under-19's and has also been captained by the Under-20's.
Billy can operate in central midfield, central defence, right back or left back and despite his tender years was a key member of the Crewe Alex squad during his years as a reliable professional with us. He scored his first goal for the club against Wigan Athletic at Gresty Road in December 2003 with a thunderous volley from Kenny Lunt's corner kick which won the 'Goal-of-the-season' award. He added that trophy to his 'Young Player-of-the-Year' award and the Sandbach Travelling Alex Supporters clubs 'Player-of-the-Year' in his first season with the club.
In the 2005/06 season, which saw the Alex lose their Championship status, the performances of Billy Jones were the undoubted highlight.
Asked to play in central midfield for much of the year, despite traditionally being a defender, Billy proved to be a revelation for the Railwaymen.He not only proved to be a superb anchoring midfield player, but also added goals to his game, netting seven with his bursting runs into the area to finish as the clubs top scorer.
So much so that he was rightly awarded the 'Player of the Year' award at the end of the season.
Billy has now been with Preston North End for three years and continues to be a firm favourite with fans. He has adapting to playing in a list of different positions for Preston, featuring along the whole of the back four and in midfield as he had done at the Alex. A highlight of the 09/10 season for the Shrewsbury born defender was an FA Cup fixture against Chelsea, whilst he netted four times for Preston throughout the year as they finished in the middle of the Championship table. But in the following season Jones' tally of six goals couldn't help North End away from the relegation places, with PNE relegated to League One.
That would be Jones' last season at Preston as he left in search of Premier League Football. He signed for West Bromwich Albion ahead of the 2011/12 campaign and will be out to be a success in his first season in the top flight.
