Welcome back to our former Academy product
Crewe Alexandra Football Club delighted to announce of signing of Rotherham Unite defender Billy Jones on loan until the end of the season.
The 33-year-old has returned to the Alexandra Stadium on loan from the Championship side following the recent departure of our club captain, Perry Ng, to Cardiff City and untimely hamstring injuries to potential right-backs, Luke Offord and Donervon Daniels.
The Shrewsbury-born Jones is a past product of the Crewe Alexandra Academy and after marking his debut for the club as a 16-year-old against Derby County in the Championship, he went on to make 143 appearances for the Railwaymen. Jones also scored 9 goals and won the club’s Goal of the Season with a stunning volley direct from a corner against Wigan Athletic in season 2003/04.
He was also the proud recipient of the Young Player of the Year award and Player of the Year awards during his time at Crewe.
The versatile Jones played in various positions in defence and midfield at Gresty Road and his performances at Championship and League One level saw him capped at Youth level for England from Under-16 through to Under-20.
In June 2007, Jones moved to Preston North End on a four-year deal. His eventual transfer fee was decided by tribunal after the two clubs could not agree on a suitable fee. Crewe received the compensation fee, as Jones was under the age of 24.
Jones made 173 appearances for Preston, scoring 13 goals before he moved on to West Bromwich Albion in 2011. His three seasons in the FA Premier League with the Baggies, saw him make 74 appearances and he scored his first goal in the top flight against Newcastle United in April 2013.
His next move saw him to switch to Sunderland in 2014 and during his three years at The Stadium of Light, he made 64 appearances, scoring against Hull City and Ipswich Town before joining his current club Rotherham United in 2018. He has made 41 appearances for the Millers, including 7 outings this season.
Everyone would like to welcome Billy back to the Alexandra Stadium and he is available for this weekend’s home fixture against AFC Wimbledon.