Billy Jones

Crewe Alexandra

Born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and educated at Belvidere School, Jones joined Crewe as a trainee following a recommendation to then manager Dario Gradi from former Crewe centre half Dave Walton. Jones worked his way through the Crewe Academy ranks, and in 2003 signed his first professional contract for the club. The English defender made his debut for the club aged 16 against Derby County on 18 October 2003, coming on as an 89th-minute substitute for Justin Cochrane. Jones went on to play a further 26 league games, which also included his first goal for the club against Wigan Athletic (on 20 December 2003), which later won Crewe's Goal of the Season award. Jones also won Crewe's Young Player of the Year award. Jones played 20 league and two League Cup games during the 2004–05 season, but cemented his place as a first-team regular in the 2005–06 season, making 46 appearances and scoring seven goals as Crewe were relegated from the Football League Championship. Jones played in central midfield for most of the season before moving to a left-back role following the signing of midfielder Tony Grant during the January transfer window. His goal tally made him the club's top goalscorer, and he later won Crewe's Player of the Year award. Jones was joined by more experienced defenders for the 2006–07 season: ex-Aston Villa player Neil Cox and former Notts County centre-half Julien Baudet. Jones played his 100th league game for the club ten games into the…

While Jones was playing for the Crewe youth team, he played in England's youth set-up as well. The defender has captained all levels up to Under-20 level.

As of 17 May 2021