Ritchie Jones

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Ritchie Jones
File:Lee kieran mufc profile 2006.jpgTemplate:Puic
Personal information
Full name Richard Glynn Jones
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Hartlepool United
Number 8

Richard Glynn "Ritchie" Jones (born 26 September 1986 in Manchester) is an English footballer. He is a midfielder, preferring to play in the centre of midfield. He plays for Hartlepool United, having signed on a free transfer in July 2008 after being released by Manchester United.

A Manchester United player from the age of nine, Jones made five appearances for the Manchester United 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 in order 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.

Early career

Jones was a member of the Manchester United F.C. 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 has also played for England at U15, U16, U17 (scoring the winning goal for the side in the Nordic Championship final in Sweden), U18, U19 and U20 levels. He was a member of the England Under-19 squad that reached the final of the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship in July 2005, before losing out to France. He acted as captain during some of these matches.

Senior debut

Jones has 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 Carling Cup game against Barnet. Jones was also named as a substitute in a Champions league game away to French team Lille OSC. 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 Pontins 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 January 2006, Jones was sent on loan to Manchester United's "feeder club", Belgian Second Division club Royal Antwerp, in order 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-plagued 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 help 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,[1] 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.

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. 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.[2]

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.[3]

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.[4] On 4 July 2008, Jones signed for Hartlepool United on a free transfer.[5]

References

  1. ^ Jones targets extended U's stay, sportlinglife.com
  2. ^ Cochrane Cuts Down Vale, sportlinglife.com
  3. ^ Burnley Fans Forum
  4. ^ Thompson, Gemma (2008-06-27). "Reds to release youngsters". ManUtd.com. Retrieved 2008-06-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Jones Signing Is Feather In Cap". hartlepoolunited.co.uk. 2008-07-04. Retrieved 2008-07-04. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

External links

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