New man Jones brings experience to Millers' ranks

NEW signing Billy Jones will add vital experience to Rotherham United's line-up next term.

And the club insist that, even though right-back Jones is 31, he still has a hunger to succeed in the game after a torrid season which saw Sunderland plummet out of the Championship in back-to-back relegations.

Millers coach Matt Hamshaw said: “Billy has that little bit of experience we are going to need.

“He's 31, so he's not ridiculously old, and he might just be that player who helps some of our younger players along, a bit like Richard Wood did last year.

“He still has the enthusiasm we look for and he's not just coming for a last pay day before he leaves, which has happened here previously.”

Shrewsbury-born Jones started out at Crewe and went to Preston, spending four years there before moving into the top flight with West Brom. He made more than 60 league appearances over three seasons before his switch to Sunderland in 2014.

Jones can also play left-back and has filled in in midfield.

Added Hamshaw: “We've done our due diligence. There are never 100 per cent guarantees but we are as sure as we can be that he is going to come in and do well for us.

“He's a good person, he'll mix well in the changing room and he'll add quality in areas we need."

Jones, who has signed a ... year contract, becomes the Millers' fourth new signing of the summer following the arrivals of Clark Robertson, Kyle Vassell and Zak Vyner.