Former Wales International Returns To Football
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By Mike James Crocombe in General Published: Sunday, 26 October 08 - 09:51 PM (GMT) Last Updated: Monday, 27 October 08 - 02:34 AM (GMT) |
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Former Leeds Youngster Returns To The Game
Matthew Jones was just 23 when, after 13 international appearances and a 3.25m price tag, he was forced to retire from the professional game due to a serious back injury inflicted by former Scotland legend Gary McAllister. Jones has put both his health and, according to some reports, financial security, on the line to return to the game he loves, with his hometown club Llanelli. During last season Jones announced that in parallel with his ongoing media work, he would commit to a second spell in competitive football and after a championship winning season with Llanelli last term, Jones is still keeping fit, with 29 appearances to his name.
Jones started his career at Leeds, coming through their academy and enjoying a three year period, where he featured for the Leeds first team, playing 33 games over that time period. Due to the promising glimpses Jones displayed at Leeds, Leicester City decided to spend 3.25m in bringing him to Filbert Street. It wasn't just Jones' serious back injury that caused the end to his career, during his 4 year spell at Leicester, he only managed to play 27 games, and scoring once as injuries prevented him from making his mark.
Jones' return may not come as such a surprise to some Leeds, Leicester or Wales fans, as his love for the game has never been in question. Jones explored all possible treatments after he was injured at Anfield, even undergoing a surgery that, in his own words could have the "risk of paralyzing me from the waist down". Even after his retirement and during his 4 years out of football, he continued to follow the game in a professional aspect, reporting for major news services and sports channels.
Jones is still playing at Llanelli in the Welsh Premier League, featuring as a utility player, both in defence and midfield, and i for one wish him the best of luck, and would love to see him playing back in England, at a level he deserves.
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