Goalkeeper Jones, released by Wrexham at the start of the month, has signed a one year contract at Blue Square Premier outfit Northwich Victoria – the Reds' derby match next term – with the option of extending the deal.

Jones came through the ranks at The Racecourse and was handed his Wrexham debut by Denis Smith at the age of 17 when replacing Spanish shot-stopper Xavi Valero for the second half at Chesterfield in January 2005.

But Jones has found chances limited and the 20-year-old only went on to make nine League Two starts in the following three seasons – two of which came last term – when he found himself as back up to Mike Ingham, Anthony Williams and Gavin Ward.

Happy to have resolved his future, Jones is relishing the fresh start with Northwich.

"I had offers from other clubs but I wanted everything sorted before I went on holiday," said Jones today.

"And Barrow also phoned just after I signed, but I suppose if anyone else was going to come in for me they would have done it in the first two weeks.

"I'm glad to have resolved it, and I can enjoy my holiday.

"It is not the best offer in the world money-wise but it is Conference football and Northwich is not far to travel.

"A Unibond League club offered me more than what I was on at Wrexham, but it would not be the best move for my football.

"But I can go to Northwich and play Conference football, hopefully regularly.

"I need to push on now.

"Everyone who knows me at Wrexham knew I needed something different. I had to get away.

"This is a fresh start, though I would like to be back in the Football League.

"I can't be at the moment so I have to work hard to get back.
"It is up to me to make it a good move. I am looking forward to the challenge and want to start now!"

Jones admits he has been disappointed with the lack of opportunities at Wrexham.

The Liverpool-born keeper's best run in the Reds' side came at the end of the 2005-06 season when he made three consecutive starts, only making way for Ingham for the final day outing at Darlington.

And Jones, who spent a successful loan spell at Conference North side Hinckley last season, said players need a run in the side to show what they are capable of.

"When I have had a run of games, I have started to do well," said Jones.

"Look at my recent record at Hinckley. We were unbeaten in seven games, and I kept one clean sheet and only let in six goals which helped keep them up.

"At Wrexham I once played three on the trot and did well.

"I got the man of the match award at home to Oxford but was then dropped for the last game at Darlington because Mike Ingham needed a game as he was going away on international duty.

"I hadn't performed badly at all and clubs were looking at me.

"But I never really got the chance to play after that.

"I have had many disappointments in my career and I now have a different outlook. I don't take anything for granted."

Jones will link up with former Wrexham midfielder Matty Crowell who helped keep Northwich in the Blue Square Premier last term after being released by the Reds in January.

And Jones said it will be strange facing some familiar faces in next season's derbies between the clubs.

"It will be weird playing against Wrexham, and so many of my mates," said Jones.

"But I have got to move on, although I don't hold any grudges.

"I did not have the opportunity to stay at Wrexham as I was released. That was the manager's decision and it's gone now."

Jones will be battling it out with Scott Tynan for the number one jersey at Northwich.

And not wanting to occupy the substitutes bench as he did at The Racecourse, Jones admits the onus is on him to impress manager Dino Maamria in a bid to become first choice.

"I have not been told who will be number one, but it is between the two of us," added Jones.

"It is up to me now.

"If I don't perform in training or in pre-season friendlies then I don't deserve to start the season.

"Whoever is the better keeper gets the shirt.

"I have been promised things in the past and it has never happened.

"I want to be number one, I wouldn't have signed otherwise. I don't want to be waiting on the bench again.

"That's not good for me and I have to push on."