Shropshire Star

Billy Jones on journey from Shrewsbury Town youth to academy coach via the Premier League

Billy Jones is regarded among some across Shropshire as one of the best footballers to come from the region.

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The 36-year old former West Brom and Sunderland full back, who hails from Shrewsbury went on to play more than 100 times in the Premier League after making his breakthrough with Crewe Alexandra.

However, he never played for his home town club, despite being part of Shrewsbury Town's centre of excellence as a youngster.

But now the full back, who retired in 2021 following knee injury problems, is back at the club as he makes his way in the coaching side of the game.

Jones has been speaking on the Express & Star's Baggies Broadcast podcast, and has discussed how his career has come full circle, from the club's centre of excellence to now coaching the Salop stars of the future.

Re-calling his early years in the game, Jones explained: "I was playing Sunday League, then for the district and the county, and then I went to Shrewsbury in the centre of excellence.

"It wasn't what it is now, it was just the odd game here and there really.

"Now it is such a well run academy at Shrewsbury but back then it was sort of finding its feet.