Paul Jones Interested in Ninian Park Move

Next Bluebird?
By Chris O'Brien
January 23 2004

Welsh international 'keeper Paul Jones has refused to rule out a move to Ninian Park when his contract expires at the end of the season. The 36-year-old looks almost certain to leave Southampton come June after losing his first team place at St.Mary's.

Welsh international ‘keeper Paul Jones has revealed that he would be interested in signing for Cardiff City when his current contract with Southampton expires at the end of the season.

Jones seems certain to leave the south coast club in June when his deal with the Saints ends, with the veteran no longer first choice at St.Mary’s following the arrival of Anti Niemi.

The 36-year-old is currently spending a month-long loan at the club he supports, Liverpool in a move that has eased the goalkeeper injury crisis at the Merseyside-outfit. However, it is unlikely that Gerald Houllier will want to bring Jones to the club on a permanent basis, so Wales’ number one will be on the hunt for a new club at the end of the season.

Jones said: "I rate them very highly with all their ambition and drive. I would definitely be interested in signing for Cardiff.

"I really believe that I still have the quality to play at Premiership level for the next three or four years.

"I really believe that I still have the quality to play at Premiership level for the next three or four years.

"But that does not rule out Cardiff City in my view.”

City boss Lennie Lawrence earlier revealed that a move to sign Jones at the end of the season would be on the agenda. However, if Jones, capped 37 times for Wales, did sign for the Bluebirds then it would raise questions over whether Neil Alexander and Martyn Margetson would be willing to stay at Ninian Park under the shadow of the Chirk-born shot stopper.