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Premier League: Billy Jones happy to join Sunderland and looking forward to challenge

Billy Jones of West Brom
Image: Billy Jones: Left West Brom at the end of his contract

Billy Jones believes he made the right choice in swapping West Bromwich Albion for a Sunderland squad undergoing a restructure.

After three years at The Hawthorns, Jones has taken the decision to move to Wearside as a free agent.

He was offered fresh terms to remain in the Midlands, but only after he had set his heart on making a fresh start.

Jones considers Sunderland to be a side heading in the right direction after last season’s struggles and is relishing the challenges which lie ahead.

He said in the Sunderland Echo: “By the time West Brom made an official offer, I had already spoken to Sunderland and I’d heard what the gaffer wanted from me and how he wanted the team to play, so I was leaning towards coming here.

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“As a player, there’s nothing better than feeling wanted and I definitely felt that from Sunderland and from the gaffer.

“So, even though I was settled at West Brom, once I had had talks with Sunderland my mind was virtually made up and now I can’t wait to get started with the pre-season games.”

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Jones added on joining Gus Poyet’s ambitious project at the Stadium of Light: “It’s a chance for me to establish myself at right-back – that’s the objective for me.

“I know the club is working hard to add more strength in depth, as every Premier League team is, so there will be competition for places. But hopefully, to start with, the right-back shirt will be mine to lose.

“I can play on both sides. I’ve played at left-back for Preston and I’ve also played there in the Premier League – I actually made my debut for West Brom on the left.

“I do see my best position as right-back, but, if needs must, I’ve got no problem filling in on the left.

“It is strange when you don’t know the final make-up of the squad, but it is exciting too.

“This is an ambitious club and they want to bring in as many quality players as they can.

“Players thrive on being part of a competitive Premier League squad and it makes for successful seasons.”

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