Jones completes Rovers move
Posted on: Tue 18 Jan 2011
Rovers have made their second signing of the January transfer window with the capture of midfielder Jermaine Jones.
Fresh from adding Roque Santa Cruz to the squad on Friday, manager Steve Kean has wasted little time in adding further to his ranks with the loan signing of the US international.
The 29-year-old arrives from Bundesliga side Schalke 04 on a six-month loan deal until the end of the 2010-11 season.
Frankfurt born, up to now Jones had played his entire career in Germany. Starting out as a youngster with regional sides SV Bonames and FV Bad Vilbel before making a switch to hometown club Eintracht Frankfurt in 1995.
Impressive displays for Eintracht would see him make the move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2004-05, but the move didn't work out and he quickly returned to Frankfurt, first on loan, then on a permanent deal.
He spent a further two seasons with Eintracht before Schalke 04 came calling in 2007. He would go on to make over 70 appearances for the Bundesliga giants in his three-and-a-half year spell.
On the international stage, Jones was a regular at youth level for Germany, but having not played a senior game for them in 2010 he opted instead to play for the USA having been eligible due to his father's nationality.
October 2010 would see him make his debut for the US in their friendly matches against Poland and Colombia (pictured).
Manager Steve Kean was delighted with the addition of Jones: "He's a fantastic signing for us.
"Anybody who knows him as a player, he's a natural ball winner, he's a very good passer as well.
"He's got a fantastic engine, he can go box-to-box, he's a genuine all round midfield player."
Rovers now await international clearance.
Will Jones make his debut this Sunday? See Rovers v West Brom at Ewood Park for just £10 for Adults and £5 Concessions in ALL AREAS! Book online now at
www.onerovers.co.uk.
