Jones leaves Wolves as a free agent

Friday 27th May 2011, 11:59AM BST.

Jones leaves Wolves as a free agent

Midfielder David Jones has left Wolves – with a glowing reference from boss Mick McCarthy.

The manager is still waiting to sort out the futures of a string of his Premier League squad but confirmed that the player who ignited last season with that memorable goal in the opening day victory over Stoke is moving on.

The 26-year-old’s set-piece classic to get Wolves off to a winning start was to prove a false dawn as he went on to total only 15 first team appearances in the campaign. last appearing in the Premier League in the 1-0 defeat at Bolton in February.

Wolves had offered him a new contract and McCarthy continues to believe in the former Manchester United youngster’s pedigree in the top flight.

But Jones has rejected the deal and opted to try his luck elsewhere – with the manager’s blessing.

McCarthy said: “David is a free agent. He’s turned his contract down, but that’s his prerogative and I’ve no complaints.

“He’s been fabulous. He’s contributed as much as anybody else to the place. We all remember his goal to start the season off.

“But he’s been a pleasure to work with. He’s been out of the side, trained properly every day, always supportive and in the dressing rooms at the training grounds on Sunday mornings with the lads who have played, delighted for them, delighted for everybody else.

“I don’t know what he’s going to do but he’s not staying with us. That’s his right, he’s a free agent and good luck to him and whoever gets him will be delighted with him.

“He’s a player of Premier League quality.”

Jones is one of the few with whom McCarthy has been able to resolve matters as he begins re-shaping his squad for a third successive Premier League campaign.

The club are still waiting to settle the Jody Craddock issue and discuss the future plans of keeper Marcus Hahnemann although another out-of-contract player, Geoffrey Mujangi Bia, has been allowed to return to Belgium.

Serbian international Nenad Milijas is another due for talks.

In the meantime, the club’s focus will be on the next generation over the weekend as academy Player of the Year Johnny Gorman prepares for an eighth cap with Northern Ireland, against a Wales side set to include Wayne Hennessey in the Carling Nations Cup.


  1. 1
    chris

    Good riddance, one footed and thinks he’s better than he is..

    Report abuse

  2. 2
    Jake

    chris, read the article. Hes a good bloke Jones, and its up to him what he decides to do. I wish him all the best after his goal at the Villa and his superb performance at west ham away kept us up last year. Good on ya Jonesey.

    Report abuse

  3. 3
    wolfffff

    If he is really premiership quality then why didn’t we try really hard to try and keep him? He isn’t prem quality imo

    Report abuse

  4. 4
    Whangarei Wolf

    Glad he has gone – the David Jones saga has dragged on for far too long! We need more players with the attitude of O’Hara – players who want to play for us.

    Report abuse

  5. 5
    O'haras dad

    Meh!

    We should bring in O’hara and johnson or sure

    as well as nicky maynard and liam ridgewell

    Report abuse

  6. 6
    Staffs Wolf

    Good luck Jonesey, thanks for your service mate, best of luck in the Championship – i’m sure there will be interested parties there.

    Anyone else heard of Carson Yeung slapping ridiculous values on his players, including Dann, Johnson and Gardner?

    Report abuse

  7. 7
    AlexWolf

    Jones was never gonna get a look in once we acquired O’Hara. O’Hara is younger, has a better left foot and can actually scrap and tackle in midfield. Jones will probably end up at a promotion-chasing side. Could see Leeds signing him up.

    Good luck to Jonah. Thanks for all the effort, but sadly Wolves are on the up and can’t afford too many Championship standard players.

    Wolves need to also get rid of Craddock, Keogh and Halford in the summer. Make room for the likes of Roger Johnson and Craig Gardner. Wanderers could also do with another powerful striker – there’s a few at West Ham ie Cole, Demba and Piquionne. We lack presence and speed up front. Might need a battering ram to scrap to some vital wins next season.

    Main Targets:

    Michael Gilks (GK)
    Roger Johnson (CB)
    Richard Dunne (CB)
    Stephen Warnock (LB)
    Craig Gardner (CM)
    Demba Ba (ST)

    The above list would be absolutely perfect. Highly unlikely but lets wait and see.

    Report abuse

  8. 8
    Brian Law Bus Driver

    Why didn’t we try to sell him in January? Or has he stalled on purpose knowing he’ll be a free agent so he can get a massive wage deal if whoever he joinsn hasn’t had to pay a transfer fee?

    @6 I reckon Yeung will get greedy over Johnson, especially now Sunderland have declared an interest too.

    Blimey, I’m feeling cynical today.

    Report abuse

  9. 9
    777

    Another played snubbed and ruined by MM

    SACK HIM NOW !!!!!!!!!!!

    Report abuse

  10. 10
    The Winslow Boy - still smiling after last Sunday

    Surely if he was genuinely Premiership quality he would have featured a damn site more regularly for us than he has – after all we were struggling for the majority of the season.

    At best he is only going to be a bench warmer if he joins another Premiership club. IMO the Championship is his level – Small Heath City take note!!

    WTID

    Report abuse

  11. 11
    Lahore Wolves

    Good luck to him, clouded by pound signs once he heard rumours that other premiership clubs were interested in him. No time for sentiments now, get rid of the others who are not good enough, and then buy 3 quality defenders.

    Report abuse

  12. 12
    PeteNuts

    Shouldn’t this article have been published about six months ago? Because let’s face it, that’s when he really left…

    Report abuse

  13. 13
    MikeQB

    Today get’s better and better!!

    Dave jones is a waste of space, I have seen milk turn quicker!

    Report abuse

  14. 14
    Mr. Perspective

    No. 4

    I don’t think you can begrudge him too much. It’s alright saying he should be more like O’Hara, but O’Hara has only been here 6 months and it’s all fresh and rosy for him.

    Jones has been here much longer and things change. He has been in and out of the squad and is entitled to want to leave.

    Report abuse

  15. 15
    brownhillssaddler

    Amazed nobody has mentioned Scott Dann but go on about Roger Johnson. Don’t get me wrong I think Johnson is cracking but maybe I’m being based when I say I prefer Dann!

    Report abuse

  16. 16
    brownhillssaddler

    biased (whoops typo)

    Report abuse

  17. 17
    TelfordWolvesNobby

    This isnt bad news tbf. Dave jones wasnt a bad player but overall just not good enough for the prem. If Wolves want to push on and do better next year they need to scrap their dead wood and get rid of the fringe players such as Keogh (Worst player ever), Halford, Ikeme etc….. I hope they give Craddock another contract, and should sign Hahnemann and Milijas as they are decent players. We have some promising young players as i have seen them play at telford for the reserves. Lets also hope Wolves dont become a stepping stone team and decide to sell their decent players because in the past we have done this. We need to keeps the likes of Hennessey, Jarvis and Doyle as they are our main 1st team players. Lets also hope Moxey, Morgan and Mick sign some decent players for next season because if we dont we will definately by in a relegation dog fight again :(

    WOLVES AY WE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report abuse

  18. 18
    freddeno

    Agree that we need to have an option with speed upfront, and the obvious choice imo would be DJ Campbell from Blackpool.. Quick, fast and knows where the goal is!

    BUY HIM

    Report abuse

  19. 19
    beaconwolf

    Even though Yeung is owner of the Blues.
    Its Pannu who pulls the strings.Allegedly the most hated man in football.
    He has stated none of our better players will leave for £3 mill.The bidding starts at £10 mill.
    So thats Johnson off the radar.
    PS.notice our nemesis(KP)has been released.

    Report abuse

  20. 20
    Jake

    No 7, Demba Ba s agent is…. Willie McKay. Steer clear, well clear.

    Report abuse

  21. 21
    Albrightondek

    A talented player but too inconsistant. With the addition of O’Hara, we have enough midfield players.
    Priority has to go on signing a quality CB. Hopefully will can steal a march on others and sign Johnson.

    Report abuse

  22. 22
    BALHAM WOLF

    Lets focus on more important matters, like who we need to bring in not on someone who does not want to play for us.
    Thanks and Good luck is all that is needed.

    Now how about…..
    Roger Johnson
    Demba Ba

    If I was MM I would be looking at some Italian defenders as they know how to defend, not like some of our lot at the moment.
    Craddock has served us well but its time to move on wards and upwards.

    Report abuse

  23. 23
    SWOBF

    Good luck to the guy. I will always remember his goal against Spurs last season. 18 pass move that if it had been Arsenal or Barca the media would have been creaming themselves over, but because it was Wolves hardly got a mention…..I think some are missing the point on here. He is Premiership standard but we probably have better than him now, Milijas, O’Hara, which once again shows our progress under the 3 M’s….UTW

    We really need to concentrate on CB’s now, or even one real quality one. Also whilst I am on here I will make a comment regarding Stephen Ward. This guy comes in for so much stick on here and other forums it is unbelievable. I know he’s not the best left back, left midfielder or striker (not even at Wolves) but a player who can do a more than reasonable job in various positions is worth his weight in gold. Just who would you sign that could take his place as a squad player?

    Report abuse

  24. 24
    Humber Wolf

    The players who we should be moving on are:-

    Hahneman
    Basso
    Craddock (Sadly – wish he was 4 years younger)
    Halford
    Mancienne (already returned to Chelsea)
    Mujanji Bia (Gone back to Belgium)
    Dave Jones (Should have been sold last summer)
    Keogh
    Hoffmaier

    In
    Shay Given / Thomas Crushak (Polish so god knows how to spell it)
    2 x 6ft 5 centre halves – think BCFC will want mega money for Johnson so possibly a non starter.
    Stephen Warnock
    Jamie O’Hara
    Re-sign Milijas
    1 x 6FT 4 Centre forward

    All depends who is available & what wages are wanted.
    Might be an idea to see which players are released and available on bosman free transfers before shelling out 10-12 million on 2 players.
    Have a great summer, see you all next season in the south bank – up the wolves!!

    Report abuse

  25. 25
    New Victorian

    Less than a week after the “survival sunday”…or to be precise “the “38th game of the English Premier League Season”, there appears to be a return of the…”lets play manager of a top flight football club, even though I’m not really a manager of a top flight football club…more like I work in a bank/construction site/shop/council office etc etc”
    MM is our manager, he has to make the decisions and get judged on them. If you want his job then step up and apply for it.
    Otherwise…just celebrate the fact we are the Wolves.
    Whoever we are, whatever we do, wherever we live…We are The Wolves.
    Melbourne, VIC

    Report abuse

  26. 26
    chris

    15. I think we are all aware as to danns qualities, thing is tho, we are also aware that he is off to one of the big clubs..

    Report abuse

  27. 27
    wanderer in eire

    Dave Jones was gone from the club last summer.
    Good or Bad we will never know for sure,on what he had shown we wont miss him.
    I would like to think we are going to be scouring the whole world for players and not just “SHAMROCK ROVERS or BOHEMIANS”…I would also suggest that MM takes a good hard look into our younger players,as he may just realise we have 1 or 2 gems,MM needs to give players an equal oppurtunity.
    Their is no doubt in my mind that MM as his favourites and as shown a tendency to favour inviduals before CLUB.I am making this assesment based on the evidence provided.
    For instance,Doyler gets injured is out for 7wks and comes back into side first week back.!Milijias gets injured for two weeks and MM says he needs games in the reserves!Similar examples are spread across the team.
    Fletcher was given a chance due to the absence of doyler and we all now what he did.Yet doyler was having an average season and had scored one goal for most of the season!Yet MM continued to play him.Fletcher proved that given a chance and time you can produce as well as the next man.Hopefully this will get doyler of his cosy seat(I am in the team no matter what).Then we have players who do well in the limited time and MM replaces them with his favourites…SEB,Milijias and GUODERIA just three to name ,who can play really well and still will end up on the bench.
    Dj Campbell is being mentioned on this site,we have SEB given game time and beleif he in my humble opinion would be far better.

    Report abuse

  28. 28
    Staffs Wolf

    @20, Didn’t know that, enough said (I think he’s a clone of the Bhatti brothers). We should switch our attention to DJ Campbell then, 13 goals in the Prem, he’d make a great squad player.

    Report abuse

  29. 29
    New Victorian

    PS Dave Jones – good luck and thanks for all you did for The Wolves

    Report abuse

  30. 30
    New Victorian

    No 26…wanderer in eire…how come you are qualified to make such judgements?…when did you last manage a football club that stayed in the premier league for 3 seasons?

    Report abuse

  31. 31
    Kentish Wolf

    It’ll be interesting to see where Jones goes next. It strikes me this situation has only really come about because he either thinks he can do better financially by getting a bigger signing on fee as a free agent, or he doesn’t have the appetite to really fight for his place in a more competitive squad.

    That said, thanks for your help Jones. You played a big part in getting us up & keeping us up, it’s a shame you’ve wasted a year of your career.

    Report abuse

  32. 32
    Whispy Wolf

    No.9 777 You can’t Sack someone that’s already leaving … NOW JOG ON. UTW

    Report abuse

  33. 33
    luke skywalker

    Should fit in nicely at Brum in the championship – that’s his level!

    Report abuse

  34. 34
    PeteNuts

    @20 Jake

    Best post I’ve read on here in ages, and absolutely correct.

    Report abuse

  35. 35
    Poorthorns ONLY 18,000 home fans

    Brilliant news, jones is greedy and a championship player at best!
    Ship out the dead wood
    Mouyokolo, mancieene , Berra, stearman, Henry ( kites on loan ) hoff, halford to follow please!

    Report abuse

  36. 36
    sizzler wolves

    sorry folks lets face it david jones was and still is a championship player….bet my weeks wages he ends up at cardiff as do all our rejects…

    Report abuse

  37. 37
    The New Victorian

    Sizzler you’re on…international money transfer accepted

    Melbourne VIC

    Whoever we are, whatever we do, wherever we live…We are The Wolves.

    Report abuse

  38. 38
    Mark

    If he is Premiership quality why was he playing for us and why didn’t he get more playing time? He is a Championship quality player who has been plying for a Championship quality manager. Pity MM is not leaving with him. Prem quality, LMAO!!

    Report abuse

  39. 39
    Mills wolf

    Dave Jones = poor mans O’hara

    good luck anyway doh.

    Speaking of O’hara, was expecting a press conference today about his signing

    any news ????

    Report abuse

  40. 40
    Mike Buckmaster

    May I suggest that the pathetic so called fans cease stating that MM should be sacked. It is very apparent that Messrs Morgan and Moxey want him to stay as Manager (as do I). I suggest you look back to when MM too the reigns and where we are now.He has done a really good job and remember it was the players who let in late goals costing valuable points (WBA, Man Utd, Fulham, Bolton)so get off his back and SUPPORT the team.
    Jones was offered a new contract and decided not to accept which he is entitled to do. So thanks Dave for your contribtion. Now, like life, we move on and opens an opportunity for another player.

    Report abuse

  41. 41
    G&Barmy

    8. you can only sell him if someone actually comes in for him….
    Fair enough he never set the world on fire but dosnt deserve to be beratted as some are,….I think he has always conducted himself well, and actually he fustrates me more than anything else as I really believe his only shortcomings seem to be a lack of effort/laziness on the pitch, as he does seem to have a lot of natural ability.

    Report abuse

  42. 42
    Paul H

    Agree with 40 (Mike), please stop calling for MM to be sacked, there is absolutely no chance that is going to happen now.

    Report abuse

  43. 43
    Tim

    DJ Campbell should be on our shopping list… So is Karl Henry Going????

    Report abuse

  44. 44
    TERRY BUTCHERRRRR

    You’ve let us down again

    Report abuse

  45. 45
    kev from warwick

    jones did us a servece in the chjampionship but wernt up to premier got no complaints about him see you all sayo=ing about ohara yes hes hungery but see what he say at the end of next season we need players for the long run bring in a new bully or a doug mick plz get someone at the back who will put his life on the line then one good attacker but who gives a shit were here wheres brum !! lol

    Report abuse

  46. 46
    Harrow Wolf

    19. I would still take hime on a free. Great coming of the bench. And while hes with us he can’t score against us.

    Report abuse

  47. 47
    Staffs Wolf

    I see the Villa have released Nigel Reo-Coker. Still at a good age and could have something to offer us.

    Report abuse

  48. 48
    wolves4eva

    Just a little note

    The stats are that when Dave Jones played we averaged over 2 points per game, when he didn’t we averaged less than 1 point per game!

    Now I’m no mathematiciian or tactician BUT those stats prove he added an extra something to our team

    wolves4eva

    Report abuse

  49. 49
    Stafford DeWolf

    Very good midfield player who can perform in the Premiership. Would have preferred if he had re-signed and O’Hara had returned to Spurs. Would like to know what he was offered by the club and what will be offered to O’Hara?
    Not convinced club are making the right choice here.

    Report abuse

  50. 50
    Wolves59

    First it was Mark Davies now David Jones, McCarthy hates good footballers.
    He would rather keep the likes of Craddock and Ward, absolutely clueless.

    Report abuse

  51. 51
    pip

    Good Luck to him, Stoke are interested.Might be a few surprises in Wolves for sale list.

    Report abuse

  52. 52
    JACK thé HAT

    (24)
    Slumber,
    Kuszczak, glad to educate you.

    Wolves best player, through the door for, nothing.
    (45)
    Kev,
    What class are you in, tell your teacher he’ll have to pull his socks up or he’s out. Oh, and try using some bacterial mouthwash, while you’re at it. It will clean up that thing you class as a mouth.
    E&D mods need to do a better job in cutting out the sewer language. No wonder I have a go when my posts are binned.

    BOING~~~~bBOING~~~~JtH.

    Report abuse

  53. 53
    wolves59

    First it was Mark Davies now David Jones, McCarthy hates good footballers.
    He would rather have the likes of Craddock and Ward, absolutely clueless.

    Report abuse

  54. 54
    simon

    Like most of the squad that got promoted, Jones has had a few good games but many where he struggled or made no impact.
    I cant see him getting into any of the top 10 premiership sides unless as a squad player.
    To be fair to Jones the style of football we play doesnt suit him, and he might get into a newly promoted team with more flair on the ball.

    Report abuse

  55. 55
    777

    nr 32, idiot, i don’t mean Jones, use you pea brain

    Report abuse

  56. 56
    MarkC

    Thanks for everything you did for us Dave. Good luck.

    Report abuse

  57. 57
    smithy

    Spot on number 15 get Scott Dann and Roger Jonson they had a formidable season at the back for blues till Dann got injured Jonson alone and more so with Dann together believe me are pure quality Get rid of the Chuckle brothers Berra and Stearman

    Report abuse

  58. 58
    Campbell Chapman is ....

    I have just read on sky text that Villa have released Reo Coker on a free, we should get in their quick especially if Henry goes to QPR. We DEFINITELY need strengthening. We need 2 centre halfs a left back, a central midfielder and a centre forward.

    Roger Johnson
    Joel Tomkins
    Curtis Davies
    Richard Dunne
    Matt Mills

    Stephen Warnock

    Nigel Reo Coker

    Yakubu
    Diomansy Kamera

    Report abuse

  59. 59
    Old Golds Worth More

    David Jones may well be a smashing person, and a real premiership player as MM has stated, in which case you have to ask why he wasn’t played more. Could it possibly be, because once he stated he wasn’t going to sign an extension to his contract, MM decided to not play him again? I don’t blame him for not wanting to stay as thats every pro footballers preogative, but I find it difficult to understand where he’s going to go that he thinks will be an improvement on Wolves. Already 2 of the supposedly interested premiership clubs have changed their minds and don’t what him anymore, and its now being touted that he will go to Stoke, hardly a top quality premiership side!

    Report abuse

  60. 60
    Farmer Ted

    Thanks Dave Jones, you contributed to Wolves progress. Always felt we should have got a bit more from you, but, good luck with the rest of your career.
    There are the usual numbskulls posting on here, why can’t they take a leaf out of 45)Kev from Warwick’s book ? Intelligent and considered. God, I wish I could string a sentence or two together like that.
    For once (and only once) I have to agree with 52 Jack the Hat.
    Embarrassing, or what ?

    Ref; Johnson & Dann. Carson Yeung is trying to price them out of the market, so it maybe Jez has drawn out negotiations to try and get Johnson. From the reports we’re all picking up I don’t think Scott Dann will be coming our way.

    Report abuse

  61. 61
    Grace

    Well I for one rate him & wish him good luck.

    I guess we have moved on, with the impending signing of Ohara & hopefully retaining Milijas I feel are just better players.

    Cheers Jonah having you on board coincided with the most successful period in our recent history, so you must have plenty of things right!!!

    KTF

    Wolvesforever

    Report abuse

  62. 62
    Rich5wolves

    Ned Vic – half the fun of the Summer is guessing who Wolves should sign and suggesting players. I don’t want Micks job or not trying to do it for him but speculation is entertaining.

    Report abuse

  63. 63
    Smithy

    Jack the hat where have you been the last few weeks since we hammered you and managed to stay up? perhaps you could lend me some of your mouthwash?Seems you might have gallons of it to wash the utter bile that comes out of your mouth

    Report abuse

  64. 64
    JACK thé HAT

    (60)
    Mangel Wurzel,
    What’s this then, No point in me posting on here if you’re goingh to agree with me, is there?. Don’t make a habit of it, Buddy.
    (63)
    Smithy,
    Can’t help it if my posts are binned. Sorry.

    “Wolves are a brilliant club”.
    Yes, I see what you mean.

    BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.

    Report abuse

  65. 65
    sue

    No.25-New Victorian..love it…

    Report abuse

  66. 66
    stourwolf

    good luck dave jones good player as usual 3 ms cart see it get rid now bring in oneal now before we go though it all again next season with our clueless manager

    Report abuse

  67. 67
    Barnes1959

    Mr Chairman,

    Please do not waste this fortunate occurance of staying in the Premier League lightly.
    Are you going to give Merlin another £XXXX to spend badly, in order to just about stay in the Premiership.
    Sorry i forget,your investment comes first not the fans.
    Dish up the same durge again and will leave in droves.
    Why is Mancienne going to Hamburg instead of Joining Wolves. Answer – Not good enough, hence Chelsea getting rid.

    Taxi for 2
    Moxey is just following orders.

    Report abuse

  68. 68
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    60 Father Ted.
    That was very funny about Kev from Warwick. One of the best things I’ve read on here.

    Report abuse



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