Billy Jones leaves West Brom to join Sunderland
Shrewsbury-born defender Billy Jones today signed for Sunderland on a four-year deal after turning down a final contract offer from West Brom.
The former Crewe and Preston man was given a final take-it-or-leave-it offer last week to sign a three-year deal at The Hawthorns on improved wages. But the Black Cats have handed the 27-year-old a longer deal.
Albion were reluctant to break the bank for Jones after a series of niggling injuries restricted his appearances in the last two years.
Jones' decision mean Albion must replace both of last season's senior right-backs after they released Steven Reid.
"Following further talks with Billy's representative, we made our final offer last week – a long-term deal on vastly-improved terms based on Billy's contribution over the past three years," said director of football administration Richard Garlick.
"Billy rejected this and has exercised his right to run down his contract with a view to joining Sunderland."
Jones joined Albion on a free transfer in the summer of 2011, making 70 starts and four sub appearances.
