Paul Jones Linked with Bluebirds Move

Paul Jones - Wales
By Chris O'Brien
January 5 2004

Welsh international 'keeper Paul Jones has been linked with a move to Ninian Park, despite the Bluebirds currently having two highly-rated shot stoppers amongst the ranks. Jones is currently playing second fiddle at Southampton to the impressive Finnish goalkeeper Anti Niemi.

Southampton and Welsh international ‘keeper Paul Jones has been linked with a move to Ninian Park.

 

City boss Lennie Lawrence has been quoted as saying although there are not plans in place to swoop for the experienced shot stopper during the January transfer window; the club would be interested in signing Jones in the long term.

 

"It would not make any sense to think about signing him now. We have two quality goalkeepers," said Lawrence

 

“In time however he would be a good ‘keeper. He would do a good job for us and I would like to have him at Ninian Park in the long term.”

 

It is certainly an interesting link, but the words of Lawrence will confuse many City supporters. The club has an excellent ‘keeper pairing in Martyn Margetson and Neil Alexander who are currently battling it out to win the first choice place in the Bluebirds line-up.

 

Signing Paul Jones would probably mean the veteran would leap frog both Margetson and Alexander in the pecking order, and you wouldn’t think either of the current ‘keepers willing to stay at the club as third choice ‘keeper. Perhaps one might be on the way out?

 

The 36-year-old and has slipped down to second choice ‘keeper at Southampton, with on-form Anti Niemi selected ahead of the Welsh international. Jones would be likely to favour a move away from the St.Mary’s as he will need more first-team football to keep his place as first choice Welsh ‘keeper for the foreseeable future.

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are currently in a ‘keeper crisis, and Portsmouth have both also been linked with a move for Jones. You would expect an offer of regular Premiership football from either of the clubs would scupper a bid from the City.

Could Wales' number one be on his way to Ninian Park?
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