Chesterfield have announced the contract extension of popular midfielder Mike Jones according to their official website .
Jones joined the Spireites last summer after a successful trial with the club, and has since been rewarded with a year extension on his contract after impressing throughout the season making 33 appearances for the club.
The 35-year-old was an integral part of a Chesterfield side who narrowly missed out on promotion to the football league. A 6-5 loss on penalties to Notts County in the National League play-off final put an end to what was an amazing season for the Spireites. Finishing third in the table was an improvement on their seventh position in 2021/22 and they’ve established themselves as one of the top and most consistent National League sides in recent years.
With Wrexham and Notts County both being promoted this season, Chesterfield are many people’s favourites for promotion next season. The re-signing of Jones, who has played 495 matches in the football league will bring tons of experience to the dressing room as the Spireites look for promotion back into the football league after a five year hiatus.
Who is Mike Jones?
Having come through the academy at Tranmere Rovers, Jones made just 12 appearances at Prenton Park before signing for Bury in 2008. The midfielder played 169 times for the Shakers racking up 41 goal involvements in the process, and earning a £180,000 move to Sheffield Wednesday. Jones’ time didn’t work out with Wednesday, leading to him leaving the club after just 11 appearances. A move to League One Crawley and Oldham Athletic would then follow making 91 and 86 appearances for the clubs respectively. The journeyman would then move on again to Carlisle United, where he enjoyed some of his finest years, staying with the Cumbrian side for four years before departing for Barrow and then ending up with Chesterfield. A versatile player who can play across the midfield, one of Jones’ biggest strengths is his work rate and speed, even at 35, he does not stop running all game.
What’s been said?
When speaking to the official Chesterfield website ,Jones said:
“I’m absolutely delighted. This season has been amazing. Playing for this club has been an absolute pleasure and we nearly did it.”
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be and I’m probably even more excited for the coming season. Hopefully we can get the job done this time.”
Writer’s view
Although his best years are behind him, Jones is still a huge asset to Chesterfield. His wealth of experience will play a big part in the dressing room and will no doubt help the younger players. The Spireites will be looking for promotion to the football league which has eluded them in recent years, and if they can bring in one or two big signings, will be my favourites for promotion next season.
