Title-winner Jones: I loved being immersed in the city

Arriving for around £1million from Derby in 2008, the midfielder played an integral role in the 2008/09 Championship winning side under Mick McCarthy.

An injury in the second half of the season may have slightly halted his progress, but Jones made 37 appearances in all competitions as Wolves lifted the league trophy.

"The promotion-winning season was special for me," Jones said.

"I loved it. I absolutely loved every minute of it. I loved living in Tettenhall and being immersed in it. It was one of the few times I was living in the town or city I was playing in, so you get really immersed in it and how much it means to the club and the locals.

"Sometimes you can struggle with that separation from fans and sometimes as a player you need that mental break, but I loved it for the three years I was here.

"It was brilliant and I have some great friends there. I had some really enjoyable times getting promotion and staying in the Premier League. It was a really special time and one I look back fondly on."

In the following two seasons, as Wolves survived in the Premier League, more injuries and midfield competition meant he played fewer games – yet the midfielder still reminisces with a smile.

"There were moments all throughout my time there that stick out, and obviously the key moment in getting promoted," he added.

"I remember being in the Premier League and I'd been injured in the first part of the season with a knee injury, and I came back, got back in the team and those games from January or February until the end of the season we played really well. I have fond memories of that. It was enjoyable to play.

"I played a role off Doyler (Kevin Doyle), with Karl (Henry) behind me, and that period stands out as a special time. We ended up staying up in the league and finished well."

If you mention Jones to any Wolves support, the first thought will often be that free-kick against Stoke.

On the opening day of the 2010/11 season, Karl Henry flicked a free-kick off the ground and saw Jones volley it home at Molineux, to give Wolves the lead in an eventual 2-1 win.

Jones said: "You don't really see a goal like that too often I guess!

"Karl still claims the assist for that one. It was another key moment.

"I departed at the end of that season, but it was another good time with Wolves staying up in the Premier League."

Having moved onto finish his career elsewhere, Jones eventually ended up at Wrexham, where he signed as a player-coach in 2021.

He spent a year in that role and saw his minutes limited, before staying on as a first-team coach – a transition he is still getting used to.

"I'm enjoying the new coaching role, it's different and I still miss playing, but I'm learning a lot in my new career," Jones said.

"Being a professional footballer is full on and 24/7. That's how I conducted my career, in terms of looking after myself on and off the pitch.

"When your life moves forward, with your age and family commitments, you have to be more on it, so you appreciate the fact that maybe the time has moved on for you to do that.

"But I still miss it, I have to say. You still get the emotions and adrenalin pumping, wanting to win games.

"It's never easy to transition from playing to coaching, or another career, but in coaching you're still on the grass, working with players and you still get a feel of the football. It's a softer transition, I'd say."

Wrexham have been in the limelight after Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought the club, commissioned a documentary and eventually secured promotion to League Two.

Some have criticised their flamboyant approach, but Jones has been impressed with the commitment to taking the Welsh side through the leagues.

"In terms of the investment and what they've done for the club since they've come in, they've been absolutely brilliant," he said.

"But as people as well, they've really immersed themselves and won over the locals and fans, with the way they've conducted themselves. They're really enthusiastic about football.

"I know all clubs are passionate, but these Welsh Wrexham fans are passionate and they want their club taken care of correctly, and the new owners have been absolutely fantastic since they've come in, and showed everyone the support they need to progress the club."