Exeter City new signing Pat Jones wants first-team football

Pat Jones left Huddersfield Town in the most recent transfer window to join Exeter City
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


PAT JONES is targeting “consistent first-team football” at his new club Exeter City following his departure from Huddersfield Town.

The 21-year-old left the Terriers for the fellow League One outfit on deadline day, with the winger joining the Grecians for an undisclosed fee and penning a one-year deal with his new side, with a club option to extend for a second year. Jones could make his debut for Exeter on Saturday, who take on Blackpool away from home.

Jones joined Town’s academy in 2019 and went on to make 18 first-team appearances for the club, but having featured just once for the Terriers this season, the winger is now aiming to get game time under his belt elsewhere.

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Upon completing his move, Jones told his new club’s website: “It’s been a bit of a hectic day, a bit crazy, but I’m really pleased to be here now, and I can’t wait to get going.

“I heard of the interest probably a few days ago. I know the manager (Gary Caldwell) through my agent, I’ve known him for a few years, and he knows me as a player and as a person.

“I was definitely interested as soon as I heard, and it sort of accelerated over the last couple of days, and obviously got it done today on deadline day, and I’m really pleased to be here.

“It’s a long way down south, it’ll be a big move for me, but I’m really keen to be here, and I’m really looking forward to getting down there. I know it’s a long way away, but I really want to play for the football club.

“I think probably the club itself, the reputation it’s got for developing younger players (appealed to him). I’m at a stage in my career now where I really want consistent first-team football.

“I’ve probably had a bit of a stop-start last couple of years with Huddersfield, and I’m really keen to come here and play consistently, and show what I can do. The manager as well, obviously I know his beliefs and the way he wants his team to play, and it just really attracted me to come here and play.”

Jones was unable to feature in his new side’s 2-0 victory at Bolton Wanderers the day after signing, and has since been away on international duty with Wales under-21s, leaving the winger excited to get underway with the Grecians upon his return from the national setup.

“It’ll be good to get into training really and get a good patch of training in before that game (against Blackpool), and meet some of the lads, and get used to how they play and they get used to how I play,” Jones added.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back from international [duty] and getting going.”

Discussing his new recruit, Exeter boss Caldwell told his club’s website: “Pat is someone I’ve known for a long time having coached him one-to-one during the off season a few years ago.

“He has all the talent to be an exciting attacking player who can score goals and create opportunities for others with his speed and one-v-one attributes.

“He has struggled to get as much game time as he would like at Huddersfield after breaking into the team at a young age. We are delighted to have Pat and hope that he can stay healthy and show his ability on a regular basis.”