Jones signs Swans deal
13 Oct 2006 - 11:11:25
Swansea have been boosted by the news that versatile teenage starlet Chris Jones has snubbed the chance of a move to the Premiership to sign a two-and-a-half year contract at the Liberty Stadium.
Blackburn and Manchester City have both been linked with the 17-year-old, who has averaged 30 goals a season in every age group since working his way up through the youth ranks at Swansea.
However, the local lad declined their advances to sign his first professional contract with his boyhood heroes.
Jones, who can also operate wide on the right, told the club's official website: "Blackburn and Manchester City tried to sign me and, if I'm honest, I was tempted and came really close to leaving.
"They are Premiership clubs after all. But when I really thought about it, I would have been leaving too much behind at Swansea, the club I have always supported.
"I've seen so many players from Swansea leave the area for so called bigger clubs only to watch them return within two years disillusioned because they didn't get a chance."
Boss Kenny Jackett added: "He's played in pre-season, played regularly for the reserves and trained on a regular basis with us.
"He's very quick with or without the ball and his finishing is very good."