New signing Jones reveals his heartache

Steve Jones today revealed his summer "nightmare" just three days before the start of the new season.

The 32-year-old had to deal with the news his wife Lisa was battling breast cancer as well as trying to find a club following his release from Burnley.

He penned a two-year deal with Walsall last month, but admitted his life was turned upside down by his family worries and Turf Moor exit.

Jones, ahead of Saturday's League One opener at Brighton, said: "My wife Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks before I was released by Burnley.

"It's fair to say I was going through a nightmare period in my life. I wouldn't have wished it on my worst enemy. I'd been out of favour at Burnley for some time so I didn't expect to get a new contract.

"But the club didn't tell me face to face, instead I found out on Sky Sports News, which wasn't ideal.

"Having been a professional since the age of 24, I've made a decent amount from the game, but certainly not enough to live on without working and, with three young children to look after, I was seriously worried about what to do next.

"I had to consider giving up playing, which would have been heartbreaking. Coaching was a possibility as was finding a job."

But the former Crewe attacker admits he is on a comfortable wage at the Banks's Stadium – although he took a massive pay cut from his earnings at the Premier League Clarets.

"I'm on half the money at Walsall that I was at Burnley but it's still a good wage," he said. "I feel for anyone who is without a club. Because of the current economic situation many may struggle to find work."

And Jones has warned the credit crunch will continue to have an effect on the lower leagues. He said: "From League One downwards there is not much money or security."