Ritchie Jones

Richard Glynn "Ritchie" Jones (born 26 September 1986) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Ritchie Jones
Jones playing for Edmonton in 2014
Personal information
Full name Richard Glynn Jones
Date of birth (1986-09-26) 26 September 1986
Place of birth Manchester, England
Playing position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
2003–2005 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2008 Manchester United 0 (0)
2005–2006 → Royal Antwerp (loan) 6 (2)
2006 → Colchester United (loan) 6 (0)
2006–2007 → Barnsley (loan) 4 (0)
2007 → Yeovil Town (loan) 9 (0)
2008–2010 Hartlepool United 69 (7)
2010–2011 Oldham Athletic 31 (1)
2011–2013 Bradford City 36 (1)
2013 Rochdale 3 (0)
2013 Grimsby Town 6 (0)
2014–2016 Edmonton 44 (7)
Total 214 (18)
National team
2002–2003 England U16 6 (3)
2003–2004 England U17 7 (2)
2004–2005 England U18 9 (1)
2005–2006 England U19 11 (0)
2006 England U20 1 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 30 June 2016

He is a product of the Manchester United youth system and was joined the club at the age of nine, Jones made five appearances for the first team, playing in the FA Cup and League Cup. During his time at United, he also went on loan to a number of lower league teams to gain first-team experience. He has made league starts for Colchester United and Barnsley in 2006–07, Yeovil Town in the 2007–08 season and, in 2006, went on loan to Belgium's Royal Antwerp for a month. Since leaving United he has played for Hartlepool United, Oldham Athletic, Bradford City, Rochdale, Grimsby Town and FC Edmonton.

Career

Manchester United

Jones was a member of the Manchester United Academy from the age of nine, and scored the golden goal to win the Milk Cup in 2003, beating Preston in the final. He captained United's Youth Cup team and was part of the United reserve side that won four trophies in 2004–05, and three trophies in 2005–06. Jones appeared for the Manchester United first team five times during his career with the club. He made his senior debut for United on 26 October 2005 in a League Cup game against Barnet. Jones was also named as a substitute in a Champions league game away to French team Lille. This was followed by a place on the bench against Aston Villa in the Premier League, and then another appearance away to Birmingham in the League Cup.

His next appearance was in a highly emotional night against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford, when he came on for the last half-hour and almost scored in a game that was dedicated to the late George Best. His last appearance before going on loan for first-team experience was away to Burton Albion in the FA Cup, although the match ended as a scoreless draw. In the 2004–05 season, Jones played for United's reserve side in the Central League and the Premier Reserve League, both of which United won. His goals also helped United get to the final of two cup competitions. In August 2006, former Arsenal manager Don Howe wrote about Jones in The Telegraph, commenting on his ability, versatility and praise for his United performances.[1]

In January 2006, Jones was sent on loan to Manchester United's "feeder club", Belgian Second Division club Royal Antwerp, to gain further first-team experience. However, after playing just two games for Antwerp, his loan spell was cut short to provide cover for an injury-hit United midfield. At the start of the 2006–07 season, Jones made two more first-team appearances, playing in pre-season friendlies against Preston North End and Macclesfield Town, in which he was credited with an assist for Wayne Rooney's goal. He then played in United's 2–1 League Cup win over Crewe Alexandra, in which his cross set up Ole Gunnar Solskjær to score United's first goal.

In October 2006, he was loaned to Colchester United for a month to provide cover for injuries at the Championship club. His performances earned him praise from the Colchester United manager, Geraint Williams, saying Jones was a credit to his club,[2] and though Jones expressed a desire to remain at Colchester, he returned to Manchester United at the end of his loan. In February 2007, he joined fellow Manchester United youngster Adam Eckersley on loan at Barnsley until 7 May 2007. He was given the number 10 shirt, and made four appearances for the Tykes before returning to Manchester United.[3] At the start of the 2007–08 season, Jones played in a pre-season friendly alongside Owen Hargreaves in midfield against Peterborough United. Manchester United won 3–1, with Jones scoring one of the goals.[4]

Jones with Manchester United in the 2007 pre-season.

However, on 14 August 2007, Jones signed for Yeovil Town on a short-term loan until 31 December 2007 to gain further first-team football. He made his debut for Yeovil on 18 August 2007 against Port Vale. It was his cross that led to the only goal in a 1–0 win for Yeovil. On 28 December 2007, Jones returned to Manchester United as planned to compete for his place in United's first team.[5] In March 2008, Jones went on trial with Championship side Burnley for a week. Burnley manager Owen Coyle said he liked the look of Jones, but felt it inappropriate to say any more while Jones is under contract at another club.[6]

Hartlepool United

On 27 June 2008, it was announced that Jones was to be released by Manchester United at the end of his contract on 30 June.[7] On 4 July 2008, Jones signed for Hartlepool United on a free transfer,[8] beating off competition from Hearts and Tranmere Rovers.[9]

In his first season at Hartlepool United, Jones came second in an end-of-season fans vote for 'Young Player of the Year',[10] resulting in Hartlepool taking up their option to extend Jones' contract to the end of the 2009–10 season.[11] On 12 May 2010, Jones was granted a free transfer from Hartlepool United.[12]

Oldham Athletic

Two months later, on 7 July 2010, Jones signed a one-year contract with Oldham Athletic, with the option to extend the deal by a further year, becoming Paul Dickov's first signing as Oldham manager.[13]

It was reported that Jones had also been offered contracts by a Championship team and two other League One sides.[14][15] Jones scored his first and only goal for Oldham in a 5–2 defeat against Peterborough United on 10 September 2010, heading home a pass from Paul Black to open the scoring.[16]

Paul Dickov praised the hard-working Jones for his unselfish work rate.[17] However, in April, Jones reacted with anger after manager Dickov left him out of the squad against Yeovil Town and was disciplined because of that.[18]

Later that month, Jones was offered a new contract by the club.[19] However, on 9 May 2011, Jones declined Oldham's offer of a one-year extension to his contract, despite Dickov's keenness to keep him on. The two parties agreed that Jones would leave on a free transfer at the end of his current contract.[20] Jones was then rumoured to be linked with a move to clubs from Major League Soccer.[21]

Bradford City

On 13 July 2011, Jones joined Bradford City on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.[22] On 13 September, Jones scored his first goal for Bradford against Port Vale.[23] In the 2011–12 season, Bradford reached the Northern area semi-final of the Football League Trophy; in the previous rounds, Bradford knocked out Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, both via penalty shoot-outs, with Jones scoring a penalty in both games.

In 2012–13, Bradford again reached the Northern area semi-final of the Football League Trophy. Jones scored in the quarter-final against Port Vale to progress to the semi-final against Crewe Alexandra. On 11 December 2012, Jones featured for Bradford in the famous victory over Arsenal in the League Cup quarter-final at Valley Parade.[24] However, having only made 10 appearances in the 2012–13 season because of damaging his ankle ligaments,[25] Jones left the club by mutual consent at the end of January 2013.[26]

Rochdale and Grimsby Town

On 12 February 2013, Jones signed for Rochdale until the end of the season.[27][28] Jones sustained an ankle injury and would only make three appearance for the club.[29] At the end of the season, Rochdale did not offer Jones an extension to his contract and he was released by the club.[30]

On 11 September 2013, following a short trial with the San Jose Earthquakes in the United States,[31] Jones joined Grimsby Town on trial, and a few days later he joined the club on a rolling monthly contract.[32] Grimsby manager Paul Hurst said there was no doubt he would like to agree a permanent deal for the midfielder, as he was concerned that rival clubs could start to circling for Jones after a promising start to his career.[33] On 10 October 2013, he signed a contract keeping him at the club until mid-January.[34] On 27 November 2013, he was released by the club by mutual consent, having played six times.[35]

FC Edmonton

On 15 January 2014, Jones signed with NASL club FC Edmonton.[36]

Jones made his NASL debut with the Eddies in their season opener on 12 April, starting in central midfield against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.[37] His first ever goal with FC Edmonton, a scissor kick against the Carolina RailHawks on 16 August, saw Jones named to the NASL Team of the Week.[38] Jones made it into the NASL Team of the Week for a second time on 15 October, again against Carolina Railhawks, after scoring and providing an assist in FC Edmonton's win against them.[39] After a very successful Fall season, FC Edmonton narrowly missed out on a playoff place by one point.

On 10 May 2015, Jones captained the side against New York Cosmos and scored one of FC Edmonton's two goals. On June 22, 2016, FC Edmonton and Jones mutually agreed to terminate his contract, in order to allow him to recuperate from a serious knee injury suffered in November 2015.[40]

International career

Jones has also played for England at every level from Under-15 to Under-20, scoring the winning goal for the Under-17 side in the Nordic Championship final in Sweden. He was a member of the England Under-19 squad that reached the final of the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, before losing out to France. He acted as captain during some of these matches.

In 2010 Trevor Brooking, Director of football development at the FA, cited Ritchie Jones in a newspaper article regarding the situation with the England National Team. He stated "A classic example is the 2005 England U19 tournament team, none of whom is anywhere near the full national team now at the age of 24 [...] Typical is skipper Ritchie Jones, who was then at Manchester United but is now a midfielder at Oldham. One crucial reason is that Premier League clubs are not willing to trust in local youth in the way that other countries do".[41]

Career statistics
As of match played 12:48, 6 October 2015 (UTC).[42]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Manchester United 2005–06 0010300040
2006–07 0000100010
2007–08 0000000000
Colchester United (loan) 2006–07 6000000060
Barnsley (loan) 2006–07 4000000040
Yeovil Town (loan) 2007–08 90000020110
Hartlepool United 2008–09 363402000423
2009–10 334102000364
Oldham Athletic 2010–11 311101000331
Bradford City 2011–12 321201030381
2012–13 40201031101
Rochdale 2012–13 3000000030
FC Edmonton 2014 223003000253
2015 224004000264
Career total 200161101508124517
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References
  1. "The Knowledge". The Daily Telegraph. London. 21 August 2006.
  2. "Jones targets extended U's stay". sportlinglife.com. Sporting Life UK. 21 November 2006. Retrieved 13 January 2009.
  3. http://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10309~961738,00.html
  4. Bostock, Adam (4 August 2007). "Report: Peterboro 1 Utd XI 3". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  5. "Cochrane cuts down Vale". sportinglife.com. Sporting Life UK. 18 August 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2009.
  6. Scholes, Tony (20 March 2008). "A look at Ritchie Jones". Clarets MAD. Entertainment & Sports Agency. Retrieved 13 January 2009.
  7. Thompson, Gemma (27 June 2008). "Reds to release youngsters". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 27 June 2008.
  8. "Jones signing is feather in cap". hartlepoolunited.co.uk. Hartlepool United FC. 4 July 2008. Archived from the original on 4 October 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2008.
  9. "Duo lead chase for Jones". Sky Sports. 28 June 2008. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  10. "Vital Hartlepool Awards: Young Player Of The Year". VitalHartlepool.co.uk. Vital Hartlepool. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2009.
  11. "Keepers fail to net new deals". gazettelive.co.uk. Evening Gazette. 7 May 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2009.
  12. "Pools Announce Retained List". hartlepoolunited.co.uk. Hartlepool United FC. 12 May 2010. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
  13. "Ritchie Jones Joins Latics". oldhamathletic.co.uk. Oldham Athletic AFC. 7 July 2010. Archived from the original on 10 July 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  14. "Ritchie Jones Joins Latics". oldhamathletic.co.uk. Oldham Athletic AFC. 7 July 2010. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  15. "Latics win Jones race". Sky Sports. BSkyB. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  16. "Peterborough 5-2 Oldham". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 11 September 2010. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  17. "Dickov praises duo for unselfish work". Oldham Chronicle. 18 August 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  18. "Disciplinary action for Jones". Sky Sports. 18 April 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  19. "Waiting game for Latics players". Oldham Chronicle. 11 April 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  20. Bailey, Graeme (9 May 2011). "Jones shuns Oldham stay". Sky Sports. BSkyB. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
  21. "MLS eye Jones". Sky Sports. 8 July 2011. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  22. "Bradford City sign midfielder Ritchie Jones on a free". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 14 July 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  23. "Port Vale 3-2 Bradford". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 13 September 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
  24. "Bradford 1–1 Arsenal (3–2 pens)". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 11 December 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  25. "Jones making steady progress". Sky Sports. 17 October 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  26. "Ritchie Jones leaves City". bradfordcityfc.co.uk. Bradford City AFC. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  27. "Hill Lands Jones". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale AFC. 12 February 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  28. "Rochdale: Ritchie Jones signs on non-contract terms". BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 12 February 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  29. "Ritchie Jones Injury". Rochdale AFC. 14 March 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  30. "Rochdale: Released List". Rochdale AFC. 26 April 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  31. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/06/13/san-jose-earthquakes-bring-former-manchester-united-youth-player-simon-dawki
  32. "Ritchie Set For Grimsby Town". Grimsby Town FC. 14 September 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  33. "Grimsby Town boss worried rivals could snatch Ritchie Jones". Grimsby Telegraph. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  34. "Ritchie pens Grimsby Town deal". Grimsby Town FC. 10 October 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  35. "Ritchie Departs". Grimsby Town FC. 27 November 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  36. "FC EDMONTON ADD MIDFIELDERS BANNER AND JONES". North American Soccer League. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  37. "FC Edmonton Match Center - 12 April 2014". FC Edmonton. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  38. "FALL SEASON 2014: NASL TEAM OF WEEK 6". North American Soccer League. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  39. "FALL SEASON 2014: NASL TEAM OF WEEK 14". North American Soccer League. 15 October 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  40. "FC Edmonton announces departure of MF Ritchie Jones". FC Edmonton. 23 June 2016.
  41. "Sir Trevor Brooking: Premier League must give youth a chance for sake of national side". Daily Express. 25 July 2010. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  42. Ritchie Jones at Soccerbase
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