Former Wigan Athletic winger makes surprising career decision to join League Two outfit Carlisle United
The 29-year-old Northern Ireland international winger had been expected to join Gary Caldwell’s Exeter City in League One after cutting short his second spell with Latics by ‘mutual consent’ at the end of last week.
“He’s a great signing for us,” said Carlisle manager Paul Simpson. “He’s a really positive, attack-minded player who I’m hoping will bring some creativity, assists and add some goals to our team.
“He’s played at a high level, and had a really good career to date and I’m hoping he can continue that at Carlisle United.
We’ve had to be patient with it. Like all players, he wants to play at the highest level possible.
“He’s had some really interesting things going on for himself, so we’ve kept in contact for probably five or six weeks.
“Thankfully over the last few days, we’ve been able to get something secured. We’ve been able to bring him into the club ahead of teams abroad and teams in League One.
“I think it’s a really big addition for us as a football club.”
Jones spent three years with Latics after joining from Rangers in the summer of 2021.
Latics offered him a new deal at the end of last term, which was turned down by his representatives who believed there was more money on offer elsewhere.
However, after a move to Iran broke down at the 11th hour, Jones returned to Wigan earlier this month on a short-term deal to put himself in the shop window.
Latics were unable to make a second offer to him, having already spent their budget for wingers on Michael Olakigbe, Dion Rankine and Silko Thomas.
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