PERTH Glory have acquired the services of experienced goalkeeper Brad Jones on a two-year deal, bringing the former Liverpool and Feyenoord shot-stopper home ahead of the 2021/22 A-League campaign.
Jones, 39, grew up in Perth before embarking on a distinguished international career, enjoying a nine-year stint at Middlesborough playing in both the English Premier League and Championship before joining English giants Liverpool for a further five years.
A move to the Netherlands was to follow for Jones. The Australian goalkeeper ventured to Rotterdam, helping to guide Feyenoord to the club’s first Eredivisie title in 18 years in 2016/17 and clinching the KNVB Cup in 2018.
Jones would call time on his successful Feyenoord stint in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Nassr on a two-year deal in 2018. He would go on to win one Saudi Professional League title and two Saudi Super Cups before the completion of his contract.
Football has taken the six-capped Socceroo all around the world, and now Jones is ready for a fresh challenge closer to home, returning to Western Australia to work under Richard Garcia in Perth.
Jones says the club is matching his ambition as he aims to become part of a squad challenging the best sides in the league throughout his two-year stay.
“I grew up in Perth and was a Glory fan in the inaugural years of the club,” Jones told the club website.
“The opportunity presented itself to come home and to play in front of my family is a huge pull.
“I think there’s a good young group at Perth who will have learned a lot from last season which will stand them in good stead for the coming years and hopefully my experience will help with their development.
“I’m very ambitious and I want us to be at the top challenging.”
Securing the services of Jones on a multi-year deal is a massive coup for Perth and Garcia, whose relationship with the experienced custodian dates back to their shared playing days in England.
Jones joins Brandon O’Neill, Jack Clisby and Aaron Calver as one of four Glory recruits to date ahead of the 2021/22 A-League campaign.
“I’ve known Brad a long, long time and we went to the UK at similar times,” Garcia said.
“He’s a fantastic person and exactly the kind of character that we want to bring into the environment here at the club.
“His playing record and performances speak for themselves.
“He’s had a fantastic career overseas and is looking to come back and do even better for his hometown club where he will not only help grow the environment, but help bring through the next generation.”
