We have completed the signing of attack-minded midfielder Jodi Jones on loan from Oxford United until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old is best known from his time at Coventry City and will be a familiar name to Notts fans who had the misfortune of seeing him score a hat-trick against us for the Sky Blues on the opening day of the 2017-18 season.
Unfortunately Jones’ Coventry career, which spanned six years, would be severely hampered by injury – but he nevertheless left the Ricoh as a firm fans’ favourite in the summer.
He spent pre-season with Oxford and went on to sign for the League One outfit, with manager Karl Robinson describing him as a ‘very exciting player’.
And, having maintained his fitness throughout his time at the Kassam Stadium, our head coach Luke Williams believes Jones can have a big impact at Meadow Lane.
“Jodi’s a player I’ve faced when working in the Championship and League One,” said Williams.
“He’s a boy with huge talent and I believe it’s only injury which has stopped him from becoming a very successful Championship player, at least.
“Jodi can play inside the pitch or wide. He’s comfortable going at people, which I experienced at Swindon when he played wide right and destroyed us that night.
“He has the ability to change direction and beat players, and he’s always threatening to provide an assist or score.
“Not only that, but we’re bringing in a guy who’s ambitious to play games because of how much unfortunate disruption he’s had in his career.
“He was really keen to come here because he’s seen how the guys have been playing, and he wants to be involved in us trying to win the league.”
Jones will train with his new team-mates for the first time today but Williams is in no immediate rush to see him at the peak of his powers.
“We have good players in his position, so it’s not as if we’re trying to fill a void – we’re adding to the arsenal,” said Williams.
“We’re in a great place in the league and performances from our midfield players have been key to that, so we’re only adding to what we’ve got.
“That affords us the time we need to increase Jodi’s sharpness and understanding of the roles he’ll have to play.”
Jones, who represents Malta at international level, has been given the number 10 shirt and will be eligible for selection when we welcome FC Halifax Town to Meadow Lane on Saturday. Click here to get your ticket.
