Former Sunderland winger 'emotional' after debut for non-league neighbours South Shields

Former Rangers and Sunderland winger Jordan Jones admitted he felt emotional as he took the first steps in moving on from an injury nightmare by making his South Shields FC debut in midweek.

The 19-times capped Northern Ireland international has spent the last 18 months battling with a thigh injury - but the light at the end of the tunnel came when he underwent surgery to resolve the issue earlier this year. After departing National League club Carlisle United earlier this summer, Jones reunited with former Cumbrians boss Mike Williamson at South Shields and he made his Mariners bow as a substitute in Tuesday’s 2-1 home win against National League North rivals Marine.

Jones revealed he has ‘ultimate respect’ for Williamson and is hoping to repay his faith by guiding the Mariners to success this season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hereford, the winger told The Echo: “It feels quite emotional. That’s the first time I’ve been on a pitch in 16 months and actually felt like I could move at 100 percent and not have to hesitate striking a ball or turning. I had my surgery in February once we got to the end of the problem and it was emotional being back on so now I just want to find rhythm and help the time find success.

“I’ve got ultimate respect for Mike as a person and as a coach. We faced some difficult times together at our previous club to say the least but that’s in the past and I am looking forward to working with him again. I just want to find my rhythm and get back playing football on a regular basis again.”

Project

Although his time as a Mariner is still in its infancy, Jones has been impressed with what he has witnessed from his new club on and off the pitch over the last week and believes South Shields has ‘everything it needs to push on’ as they look to make another step up the non-league pyramid.

“I was on the PFA camp and a few boys were asking me what it was like and I was pleasantly surprised by how things are set up here. It’s got everything to go up and be successful in higher leagues. I’ve seen that project, Mike being here is a big plus too, but you can see it has everything it needs to push on and let’s hope we can do that.”

‘I just want to enjoy the game again’

Jones also revealed he rejected an opportunity to join clubs from higher levels to join the Mariners and stressed the need to prioritise his young gamily and enjoying his football once again.”

“I’ve got a young family now and I had offers from higher levels but you have to consider everything. My little boy is five-years-old and you don’t want to be living five hours away just to be playing in League Two. I believe this club can have success, that’s what I want. I’ve had a difficult couple of years so I just want to enjoy the game again.”

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