Wanderers are delighted to have secured the future of another of their most experienced players with vice-captain Gethin Jones signing a new deal to further his stay with the Whites.
Jones – one of Wanderers’ longest-serving performers after joining the club in August, 2020 – has been rewarded with a contract running until June, 2025 as the Whites continue their summer strengthening.
The polished defender, who has started over 100 league games for the club since becoming one of Ian Evatt’s first signings as Bolton manager, had a year left on his existing deal but follows midfielders Kyle Dempsey and Josh Sheehan and striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson in agreeing new terms.
The deal secures the services of Jones, who joined Wanderers from Carlisle United and has built up a special rapport with the Whites.
The former Everton youngster and Wales U21 international has been a key member of Evatt’s side in winning promotion from League Two in his first season at the club and then helping earn a play-off finish in League One last season.
Jones also scored the last goal in Wanderers’ 4-0 Papa Johns Trophy final win over Plymouth Argyle, which he dedicated to his mum, Karen, who lost her fight against MND in February, 2022.
“The club has done so much for myself and my family and everyone around me and helped me so much in my football, as well,” said Jones, who took his total number of appearances for the Whites to 117 last season.
“I have played a lot of games since I’ve been here and I just want to kick on even more and help the team and the staff and give everything back to the football club, so I will be working hard in this pre-season to get going.
“Sharon (Brittan), the manager, all the staff and all the players have been so supportive to myself and really helped me get through the difficult times.
“It kept me on board with football because I didn’t really know what to do at the time with that.
“They let me have the time off and were then ready for me to come back. I felt that time to be with my mum and my family was very important and ever since I’ve come back, I’ve said in many interviews I just want to give back to the club.
“I (also) just want to say thank-you to every single fan who supports the club. They have been unbelievable to myself and my family and I’m made up to extend my contract here.”
Jones, who returned to action after a month away from competitive football following the passing of his mum last year, missed Wanderers’ play-off semi-final against Barnsley at the end of last season following a hamstring injury sustained in the final regular game of the campaign.
However, the 27-year-old – who has operated successfully as a central defender or wing-back in Evatt’s line-up – is due to resume full training in Portugal this week after a successful recovery.
And with two honours on his Wanderers’ CV, Jones is targeting further success as part of a squad - also boosted by the arrival of four new signings so far this summer - after regaining fitness and sealing a new deal.
“As soon as last season finished, I was devastated that the club didn’t get what we wanted to achieve and get that promotion and I got myself a little injury towards the end,” he added.
“I’ve worked hard this off-season and the gaffer spoke to me and said they wanted to offer me a new deal. That was pretty smooth to get that sorted and I’m glad it’s all done.
“Since I came, I really feel like I have pushed on. I have loved every minute of it and next year we want to achieve that promotion.”