Jordan Jones has officially concluded his time at Wigan Athletic, announcing that negotiations for a new contract have ended. The 29-year-old winger rejuvenated his career over the past year after being brought back into the fold by manager Shaun Maloney.
A Revived Career at Wigan
Jones had spent a significant portion of his previous two years on loan in Scotland but became a pivotal player for Wigan last season, particularly excelling on the left flank. Both Jones and Maloney had expressed their desire for the player to stay with the club, and contract discussions had been ongoing since the season’s end. However, with Wigan operating under a tighter budget, the financial gap between the club’s offer and Jones’ expectations proved insurmountable.
A Heartfelt Farewell
On Tuesday morning, Jones shared a heartfelt message on Twitter announcing his departure. He expressed his disappointment at leaving but acknowledged the club’s financial situation. “It’s with a heavy heart to announce that my time representing Wigan Athletic has come to an end,” Jones wrote. “I respect the situation the club is in and wish the club success moving forward.”
Jones extended his gratitude to the staff, teammates, and fans, emphasizing how much he had enjoyed his football last season. He credited the first-team staff for helping him rediscover his love for the game and thanked his teammates for their camaraderie and support. He also praised the young talent at the club, predicting a bright future for them.
Reactions from Teammates
Jones’ announcement quickly garnered reactions from his former teammates. Callum McManaman, Josh Stones, Jason Kerr, and Max Power were among those who posted supportive messages on social media. Max Power noted that Jones had returned to his best form last season and would be missed both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
A Memorable Tenure
Jones joined Wigan from Rangers in the summer of 2021 and made 50 appearances, scoring three goals during his tenure. Despite the disappointment of his departure, his time at Wigan has left a lasting impact, both in terms of his personal resurgence and his contributions to the team.
Jordan Jones’ departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both the player and Wigan Athletic. His heartfelt farewell and the warm responses from his teammates highlight the strong bonds and mutual respect within the club. As he moves on to the next phase of his career, Jones leaves with fond memories and well-wishes from the Wigan community.
