We are delighted to announce that midfielder James Jones has joined the Imps ahead of the 2020/21 campaign signing a 3-year deal with the club.
The former Scotland U21 international has joined the club on a free transfer from Crewe Alexandra following the expiry of his contract at The Alexandra Stadium.
James Jones has been at Crewe since he was 7 years old after progressing through the clubs academy before making his debut in 2014 when he was just 18 years old. In his maiden season with The Railwaymen, Jones featured 26 times for the first team. The midfielder then added a further 32 appearances the following season and despite Alex’s relegation, he continued to impress, receiving the first of his four Scotland U21 call ups.
He made over 50 appearances during the 2016/17 season and his goal tally hit double figures in that campaign. James made himself known to the Imps fans on Boxing Day 2018 when he netted Crewe’s second goal in a 2-1 victory over City at The Alexandra Stadium. The impressive midfielder notched another 29 appearances during Crewe’s promotion push this season before the pandemic brought the campaign to a halt. Despite being just 24 years old, he has amassed over 170 first team appearances with many of them being made in the third tier of English football.
Jones spoke of his move to City, “I’m delighted to sign for this club and after speaking with the gaffer and Jez, it was a no brainer. The more I found out about the club, the more it seemed like the perfect fit and this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
Jones added, “I’m a box to box midfielder and I’ll always give 100%. I like to get on the ball, run in behind and chip in with goals and assists but I also get back and do my defending too.”
“The manager likes to develop young players which was a big selling point for me. As an away player playing here in the past, it’s a tough place to come and there is a great atmosphere here. Playing in front of the Lincoln fans is something that I’m really looking forward to and I can’t wait to get going.”
Michael Appleton spoke highly of Jones and was really pleased to make him his first summer signing, "James is a midfielder who scores and creates goals which will give us a different dynamic in the middle of midfield. He's also at a great age with plenty of games under his belt, he’s ready to kick on and be an asset to this club. We are really pleased to get this deal over the line and look forward to working with him ahead of next season".