Billy Jones talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
The team environment at Rotherham United was the key reason for joining the Millers, according to new singing Billy Jones.
The former West Brom and Sunderland defender pens a two-year deal with Millers, and becomes Paul Warne’s fourth close season arrival.
The experienced operator plumped for the Millers despite interest elsewhere, explaining it was the team ethos created by manager Paul Warne that swayed his decision to commit to the Millers.
“It was what the manager said about having a great dressing room that really made my mind up,” Jones told www.themillers.co.uk
“The way the manager said he works, everything about the way he manages, it was really appealing. To be part of something good is fantastic for me. It has been a tough last couple of seasons at Sunderland, so it is great to have a fresh start here.”
Jones has been looking for a new club after departing Sunderland, where he starred for the Black Cats in the Premier League, whilst the 31-year-old has also represented West Bromwich Albion in the top flight.
The Shrewsbury-born ace boasts a wealth of experience in England’s top two divisions which started back in 2003 when he broke into Crewe’s first-team as a youngster.
Jones’ CV attracted attention from a number of clubs but the England youth international says the call from Warne just over a week ago helped steer his decision to move to South Yorkshire.
“I spoke to the club a week or so ago now, and obviously being out of contract my agent has been working hard behind the scenes on a number of different options,” Jones added.
“I came along to meet the gaffer here and I was really excited about joining after what he told me about how he wants his teams to play, the team ethos, and the team spirit he already has with the lads. I am really looking forward to being part of that. I know when I have had success previously in The Championship and other leagues, it has been down to that. I am really looking forward to it.
“From the way the club has been sold to me, and the style of management, coupled with the coaches the managers he has, the whole mentality of the team is something that I really buy into.”
Jones joins Clark Robertson, Kyle Vassell and Zak Vyner in joining the Millers during the close season, and is expected to play a part in a behind closed doors friendly this afternoon.