Jodi Jones has signed a two-year contract after leaving Oxford United having been with Notts County for the second half of the season according to the club’s official website.
The 25-year-old was loaned to Notts County in the January transfer window where he became a fan favourite, making 18 appearances, the majority came from the bench. His contract with Oxford is due to expire this summer, and the player has now put pen to paper on a deal to return to Meadow Lane.
Jones’ has enjoyed many memorable moments in a black and white shirt including against Boreham Wood in the play-off semi final, where he scored the winner in extra time to send The Magpies to Wembley. This helped them achieve promotion back into the Football League securing the feat by beating Chesterfield on penalties in the play-off final.
The Magpies secured 107 points on their way to second place in the league behind Champions Wrexham. Notts County had set a National League record (alongside the Welsh side) however still had to achieve promotion via the play-offs.
Who is Jodi Jones?
The Maltese international primarily plays on the right wing but has also been deployed on the left throughout his career. Having originally come through the ranks at Dagenham and Redbridge, Jones earned himself a transfer to Coventry City, where he made 97 appearances. The winger played for The Sky Blues in each of the Championship, League One and League Two, registering 24 goal contributions during his time there. A transfer to League One Oxford United in search for more game did not have the results many expected with Jones making just 8 appearances for Oxford before his loan to Notts County.
What’s been said?
The Notts County board of directors spoke on Jones’ arrival on a permanent basis:
“After everything Jodi has been through, we’re so pleased we were able to give him the platform to perform last season and the memories of him celebrating against Boreham Wood will live long in everyone’s memory.
“We know how determined Jodi is to progress from here, not only for himself but also his incredibly supportive family, and we’re behind him all the way.”
Jones himself seems thrilled to be back at Meadow Lane:
“I’m absolutely over the moon to sign for Notts County”.
“It’s a club that made me fall back in love with the game and I’m very grateful for that
Writer’s View
This is a great signing for both parties, County get a player familiar with the set up and has plenty of Football League experience, while Jones will get more game time. It’ll be no surprise to see Notts County near the top half of the League Two table after a mightily impressive National League Season. They should cause plenty of trouble for the opposition, Jones being just one of the key attacking threats.
