Brad Jones (soccer)

Bradley Scott Jones (born 19 March 1982) is an Australian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was a member of the Middlesbrough team for over a decade often playing on loan at a succession of lower league clubs: Stockport County, Rotherham United, Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday. He also had a brief loan spell in Ireland with Shelbourne. In August 2010, he made a £2.3 million move to Liverpool where he spent four seasons, mostly in a back-up role. Jones then had two short stints, his final in England at Bradford City and then in the Netherlands at NEC, before joining Feyenoord on a one-year deal in August 2016. On 22 May 2017, he signed for another two years at Feyenoord following their title win in the Dutch Eredivisie.[3]

For other people named Brad Jones, see Bradley Jones.

Brad Jones
Jones warming up for Liverpool before a friendly game vs. Roma in 2014
Personal information
Full name Bradley Scott Jones[1]
Date of birth (1982-03-19) 19 March 1982[2]
Place of birth Armadale, Australia
Height 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)[1]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
1997–1999 Bayswater City
1999–2001 Middlesbrough
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2010 Middlesbrough 57 (0)
2001 → Shelbourne (loan) 4 (0)
2002–2003 → Stockport County (loan) 1 (0)
2003 → Rotherham United (loan) 0 (0)
2003 → Blackpool (loan) 5 (0)
2004–2005 → Blackpool (loan) 12 (0)
2006 → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 15 (0)
2010–2015 Liverpool 11 (0)
2011 → Derby County (loan) 7 (0)
2015–2016 Bradford City 3 (0)
2016 NEC 17 (0)
2016–2018 Feyenoord 63 (0)
2018–2021 Al-Nassr 78 (0)
2021–2023 Perth Glory 5 (0)
Total 278 (0)
International career
2001 Australia U20 1 (0)
2003–2004 Australia U23 6 (0)
2007–2018 Australia 6 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

Early career

Jones was born in Armadale, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia,[2] to English parents. A childhood Liverpool fan,[4] he attended John Curtin Senior High School, graduating in 1998. Jones signed for Bayswater City SC in Western Australia.[5]

Middlesbrough

He was then signed by Middlesbrough, playing in their youth system, and signed a professional contract on 26 March 1999.[2] He made his first team debut in the FA Cup third round against Notts County in 2004 and later that season won a League Cup winners medal.

He had loan spells at several clubs; in the 2001–02 season he played four games for Irish club side Shelbourne. He made his professional and League of Ireland debut on 5 October against local rivals Bohemians at Dalymount Park and conceded 4 goals in a 6–4 victory one of which was direct from his own goal kick. His second appearance for the club came one week later in a 3–1 home victory against Monaghan United. Later he had loan spells at Stockport County and Blackpool. In the 2005–06 season, playing for Middlesbrough, Jones saved a Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty which left the match against Manchester United level at 0–0.[6]

In August 2006, Jones was loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday for three months. He made an up-and-down start to his loan spell, making some vital saves as well as conceding penalties in successive games against Plymouth Argyle and Leeds United. On 21 October, his own fans turned on him and attacked him by throwing coins and other missiles during the home game against Queens Park Rangers.[7]

With mentor Mark Schwarzer moving to Fulham, Jones became first choice goalkeeper at Middlesbrough. He picked up an injury in the second game of the 2008–09 season and subsequently missed the next two games. Jones regained his place in the Middlesbrough first team in January 2009 and remained first choice as Middlesbrough were relegated from the Premier League. Another pre-season injury saw him miss the start of the season but he regained his place after new signing Danny Coyne conceded five goals against West Bromwich Albion. He remained in the Boro side for the rest of the season, although they failed to gain promotion from the Championship.

Liverpool
Jones playing for Liverpool in a 2012 summer friendly

On 17 August 2010, Jones joined Liverpool in a deal worth £2,300,000. He qualified as a "home-grown" player under the new Premier League rules.[8] On 19 August, Jones watched Liverpool's UEFA Europa League play-off 1st leg tie at Anfield from the directors' box, along with captain Steven Gerrard, Emiliano Insúa, Alberto Aquilani and Dirk Kuyt. He was handed the number 1 shirt after goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri left the club on 23 August, ahead of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City. Jones made his unofficial debut in Jamie Carragher's testimonial against an Everton XI and impressed with a string of saves.[9] Jones made his debut for Liverpool in the League Cup 3rd Round tie against Northampton Town on 23 September 2010. The game ended 2–2 after extra time before Liverpool lost on penalties. A couple of weeks later, Jones injured his shoulder in training and was out for up to a month. Reserve goalkeeper Martin Hansen took his place on the bench until Jones was back fit, as Liverpool's other backup goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi was on loan at nearby club Tranmere Rovers. He made his second start for the club on 15 December 2010, in a Europa League game against Utrecht, getting his first clean sheet for the Reds. Unfortunately for Jones, this was to be his last game of the 2010–11 season.

Derby County (loan)

At the end of March, Jones joined Derby County on loan for the remainder of the 2010–11 season.[10] Jones made his debut in a 4–1 loss to Cardiff City, and went on to concede 16 goals in his seven games at Derby, including another four against Burnley (2–4) and three against Norwich City (2–3). He came in for criticism from Derby manager Nigel Clough after his mistake let Bristol City take an early lead in Derby's final home game of the season, in a match the club eventually lost 2–0. It turned out to be Jones' last Derby game.[11] He was an unused substitute in Derby's 2–1 defeat at Reading on the last day of the Championship season before returning to Liverpool, after being replaced by academy goalkeeper Ross Atkins.[12]

Return to Liverpool
Jones and Péter Gulácsi training with Liverpool in 2012
Jones watching Péter Gulácsi in training in 2012

His first Premier League match for Liverpool came on 10 April 2012, in a 3–2 away win against Blackburn Rovers. Jones came off the bench in the 26th minute after second choice goalkeeper Doni had been sent off for fouling Junior Hoilett in the penalty area. Jones saved the resulting penalty, taken by Yakubu and celebrated by pointing towards the sky in dedication to his late son, Luca. Liverpool went on to win the game 2–3 with an injury time winner from Andy Carroll.[13] He played in the FA Cup semi-final against Everton at Wembley, due to the suspension of Doni and first choice goalkeeper Pepe Reina; Liverpool went on to win the game 2–1 thanks to goals from Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll. Jones therefore made history as the first Liverpool player to make his first four appearances for the club in four different competitions.

Jones made his first appearance of the 2012–13 season in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Gomel on 2 August; Liverpool won the game 1–0. His second appearance came on 20 September in a 5–2 win against Young Boys in the Europa League group stage. Jones also helped Liverpool progress in the League Cup in a 2–1 win against West Brom on 26 September.

His first Premier League start came on 20 October, against Reading, which Liverpool won 1–0. On 25 October, Jones played his third Europa League game against Anzhi Makhachkala, keeping yet another clean sheet as Liverpool won 1–0. Three days later he played in Liverpool's 2–2 draw at Goodison Park. On 31 October, Liverpool played Swansea City in the League Cup which Liverpool lost 3–1.

Jones continued to start in goal for Liverpool after their 1–1 draw with Newcastle United on 4 November. Liverpool played against Anzhi on 8 November in a Europa League group stage match and lost 1–0 after a 46th minute chip goal from Lacina Traore. November seemed to be Jones' month after another start on 11 November against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The game ended in a 1–1 draw thanks to Jones making a good save from a Fernando Torres header.

Due to his excellent performances Jones was rewarded and signed a new contract with Liverpool on 21 December 2012.[14] Jones would then go on to keep another clean sheet this time in a 5–0 win over Norwich in the Premier League. He would then play in an FA Cup match v League one side Oldham, Jones was at fault for at least one of the goals conceded as Liverpool crashed out 3–2. He would then go on to play two more times in the 2012/2013 season, The first was a 3–1 defeat against Southampton, Jones also made a string of good saves in that game including a one on one v Rickie Lambert, His other game was a 3–2 victory over Tottenham making a string of good saves in particular a free kick from Gareth Bale.

Overall, Jones played 15 times in the 2012–13 season conceding 21 goals and keeping four clean sheets in his most productive season yet for Liverpool. During the 2013–14 season, Brad Jones did not make any appearance for Liverpool in the Premier League. But he was the number-one goalkeeper for the FA Cup and played two games before losing to Arsenal in the fifth round.

On 14 December 2014, Jones was chosen in the starting 11 against Manchester United instead of the regular goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who had been under-performing since the start of the season. Jones put in a mixed performance in a 3–0 loss, with some analysts criticising him for going to ground too early for two of the goals.[15][16]

On 10 June 2015, Jones was released by Liverpool.[17]

Bradford City

On 17 August 2015, Jones signed for Bradford City on a one-year deal following his release from Liverpool.[18] Jones played his first game for Bradford in a 2–2 draw with Sheffield United.[19] On 27 October 2015, Bradford City confirmed that he was released by mutual consent.[20]

NEC

On 5 January 2016 Jones joined Dutch club NEC on a 6-month deal.[21]

After a strong season with 17 appearances for the club and 4 clean sheets, despite NEC wanting to retain Jones, on 3 June 2016 he left the club in favour of other offers.[22]

Feyenoord

On 7 July 2016, Jones joined Eredivisie side Feyenoord on a one-year deal.[23][24] He made his debut on 7 August 2016, keeping a clean-sheet in Feyenoord's 5–0 win over FC Groningen.[25] In February 2017, Jones kept his 14th clean sheet of the season, in the process becoming the first Feyenoord goalkeeper to achieve the milestone since Ed de Goey twenty years earlier.[26] Despite the return of regular goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer, Jones' good form saw him retain the starting position for the remainder of the 2016–17 season.[27] Feyenoord went on to win the 2016–17 Eredivisie, with Jones keeping 17 clean sheets in the club's first title in 18 years.[28] On 22 May 2017, Feyenoord announced that Jones had signed a new contract, signing on for two additional years at the Rotterdam-based club.[29]

On 22 April 2018 he played as Feyenoord won the 2017/18 KNVB Cup final 3–0 against AZ Alkmaar.[30]

Al-Nassr

On 1 August 2018, Jones joined Saudi Professional League side Al-Nassr on an initial two-year deal.[31] Jones left Al-Nassr when his contract expired in July 2021.[32] During his time with Al-Nassr, he was part of the side that won the Saudi Pro League title in 2019.[32]

Return to Australia

On 5 August 2021, it was announced that Jones would return to his hometown of Perth signing for Perth Glory on a two-year contract.[33]

On 24 May 2023, Jones officially announced his retirement from football.[34]

International career
Jones on international duty for Australia in 2007

Having played for the Australia national under-20 football team and the under-23 side at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Jones felt disappointed to be overlooked for the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad and considered switching his international allegiance to England or France, the latter being possible as his wife was French.[35] The following year, Jones received his first senior international call up for Australia on 5 February 2007 to replace Mark Schwarzer in a friendly match.[36]

He made his first senior international start on 2 June 2007 against Uruguay. He was at fault for Australia losing that match after dropping a routine catch allowing Alvaro Recoba to score an easy goal.[37][38] He was part of Australia's début campaign in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, but he did not feature in any of their matches. Additionally, he was selected as one of the three goalkeepers in Australia's final 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,[39] but he left the squad to return to his family following news of his son being diagnosed with leukemia[40] and he did not return to the tournament.[41]

While Ange Postecoglou was coaching Australia, Jones made only one appearance, playing half of a friendly match against Ecuador which Australia lost 3–4. Jones wasn't called-up after that by Postecoglou, despite being in form during three seasons playing in the Eredivise, surprising many including goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. After Postecoglou's quitting, his replacement, Bert van Marwijk, has revealed to be interested in calling-up Jones back to the national squad.[42] In May 2018, he was named in Australia's preliminary 26 man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.[43] Jones was named to the 23-man squad on 2 June.[44]

Personal life

Jones' six-year-old son, from a previous relationship, died on 18 November 2011 after a year-long battle with leukaemia.[45] Liverpool's players and staff wore black armbands as a mark of respect in their subsequent 2–1 victory over Chelsea; his old teammates at Middlesbrough also wore armbands as a mark of respect.[46]

Jones married his long-term partner, former model Dani Rose Jones, at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, in July 2015.[47] They have three children, two sons born in 2012 and 2019,[48] and a daughter born in 2014.[49]

Career statistics

Club
As of 7 May 2023[50]
Club Season Division League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Middlesbrough 2002–03 Premier League 000000––00
2003–04 Premier League 101000––20
2004–05 Premier League 50000000–50
2005–06 Premier League 9030004[lower-alpha 1]0–160
2006–07 Premier League 201000––30
2007–08 Premier League 100020––30
2008–09 Premier League 1605010––220
2009–10 Championship 2300000––230
Total 570100304000740
Shelbourne (loan) 2001–02 LOI Premier Division 40000000–40
Stockport County (loan) 2002–03 Second Division 100000–0010
Rotherham United (loan) 2003–04 First Division 000000–0000
Blackpool (loan) 2003–04 Second Division 500000–2[lower-alpha 2]070
Blackpool (loan) 2004–05 League One 1200000–00120
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2006–07 Championship 1500000––150
Liverpool 2010–11 Premier League 0000101[lower-alpha 3]0–20
2011–12 Premier League 101000––20
2012–13 Premier League 7020204[lower-alpha 3]0–150
2013–14 Premier League 003000––30
2014–15 Premier League 30002000–50
Total 11060505000270
Derby County (loan) 2010–11 Championship 700000––70
Bradford City 2015–16 League One 300000–0030
NEC 2015–16 Eredivisie 17000–––170
Feyenoord 2016–17 Eredivisie 32040–6[lower-alpha 3]0–420
2017–18 Eredivisie 31050–5[lower-alpha 4]01[lower-alpha 5]0420
Total 63090–11010840
Al-Nassr 2018–19 Saudi Professional League 25040–8[lower-alpha 6]02[lower-alpha 7]0390
2019–20 Saudi Professional League 29040–8[lower-alpha 6]01[lower-alpha 8]0420
2020–21 Saudi Professional League 24030–2[lower-alpha 6]01[lower-alpha 8]0300
Total 780110–180401110
Perth Glory 2021–22 A-League Men 5000–––50
2022–23 A-League Men 0000–––00
Total 5000–––50
Career total 278036080380703670
  1. Appearances in UEFA Cup
  2. Appearances in Football League Trophy
  3. Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
  6. Appearances in AFC Champions League
  7. Appearance in Arab Club Champions Cup
  8. Appearance in Saudi Super Cup

International
As of 8 November 2018[51]
Australia
YearAppsGoals
200710
201010
201110
201410
201820
Total60

Honours

Middlesbrough

Blackpool

Liverpool

Feyenoord

Al-Nassr

Individual

References
  1. "FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: List of Players: Australia" (PDF). FIFA. 15 July 2018. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 June 2019.
  2. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing. p. 224. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  3. "Brad Jones signs new two-year deal with Eredivisie champions Feyenoord". 22 May 2017.
  4. This Is Anfield (16 May 2015). ""Sometimes the dream ends" – Brad Jones confirms Liverpool departure – This Is Anfield". This Is Anfield.
  5. "Middlesbrough reveal no deal agreed for Brad Jones". BBC Sport. 12 August 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  6. "Man Utd 0–0 Middlesbrough". BBC. 1 May 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  7. Fans turn against Jones Archived 24 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine Vitalfootball.com.uk (23 October 2006).
  8. "Middlesbrough agree Brad Jones transfer to Liverpool". BBC Sport. 17 August 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
  9. "Stopper on the move". Liverpool F.C. 23 August 2010. Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
  10. "Jones set to join Derby on loan, Dean may leave". This is Derbyshire. 24 March 2011. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
  11. "CLOUGH SLAMS JONES ERROR". Football 365. 30 April 2011.
  12. "Reading 2 – 1 Derby". BBC Sport. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
  13. Jonathan Jurejko (10 April 2012). "Blackburn 2–3 Liverpool". BBC Sport.
  14. "Jones extends Anfield stay". Liverpool FC Official Website. 21 December 2012. Archived from the original on 15 December 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  15. "David De Gea has developed into one of the Premier League's best keepers – ESPN FC". ESPNFC.com.
  16. "Manchester United 3 Liverpool 0, match report: David de Gea the Old Trafford hero as rivals are swept aside". The Telegraph. 14 December 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  17. "Retained and released lists submitted by Premier League clubs". Premier League. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  18. "Brad Jones: Bradford City sign ex-Liverpool goalkeeper". BBC Sport. 18 August 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  19. "VIDEO: Sheffield United – Bradford 2 Blades 2 match verdict and reaction". thestar.co.uk.
  20. "Brad Jones: Bradford City keeper leaves club by mutual consent". BBC Sport. 27 October 2015. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
  21. "Australia and former Liverpool keeper Brad Jones signs for Dutch side Nijmegen". The Guardian. 5 January 2016.
  22. "Brad Jones leaving NEC". Goal.com. 3 June 2016.
  23. "Feyenoord Reached Agreement In Principle With Goalkeeper Brad Jones". Feyenoord. 7 July 2016.
  24. "Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones joins Feyenoord". Sky Sports. 7 July 2016.
  25. Huguenin, Michael; Bellemore, Damien (8 August 2016). "Aussies Abroad: Luongo, Jones shine in season-openers". Goal.com.
  26. Lusby, Jack (21 February 2017). "Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones hits impressive record with Feyenoord". This is Anfield. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  27. "Jones blijft ondanks terugkeer Vermeer eerste keeper Feyenoord" [Jones continues despite returning first goalkeeper Vermeer at Feyenoord] (in Dutch). NU.nl. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  28. "Aussie Jones helps Feyenoord to first Eredivisie title in 18 years". The World Game. 15 May 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  29. "Brad Jones twee jaar langer bij Feyenoord". www.feyenoord.nl.
  30. "AZ vs. Feyenoord - 22 April 2018 - Soccerway".
  31. "SAUDI MOVE FOR SOCCEROOS KEEPER". FourFourTwo. 1 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  32. "Jones, Al Shehri among quintet to leave Al Nassr". The AFC. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  33. "Huge coup for Glory as Brad Jones signs for two years". Perth Glory FC. 5 August 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  34. Smith, Ben (24 May 2023). "Former West Australian Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones calls time on career". The West Australian.
  35. "Aussie Jones considers country switch". The Age. 8 May 2006.
  36. Goalkeeper Brad Jones has been called into the senior Australia squad for the first time. Middlesbrough F.C.
  37. "Jones fumble can't stifle the feelgood factor". The Sydney Morning Herald. 3 June 2007. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  38. "Jones blunder hands Uruguay victory". ABC News. 2 June 2007. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
  39. Richard Bailey (2 June 2010). "Socceroos name final squad". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 6 June 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  40. "Socceroo Brad Jones leaves World Cup squad after son diagnosed with cancer". Perthnow.com.au. 7 June 2010. Archived from the original on 10 June 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  41. "Jones won't return to WC". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  42. Lewis, Dave (21 February 2018). "Van Marwijk reveals Socceroos recall on cards for jilted Jones". The World Game. SBS.
  43. "Revealed: Every World Cup 2018 squad - Final 23-man lists | Goal.com".
  44. "Caltex Socceroos finalise squad for Russia". 3 June 2018.
  45. "Rest in Peace Luca Jones". Liverpool F.C. 19 November 2011. Archived from the original on 21 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  46. "Liverpool players dedicate win over Chelsea to team-mate Brad Jones after losing young son to leukaemia". Goal.com. 20 November 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
  47. Miles, Tina (8 July 2015). "Pictures: Brad Jones and Dani Lawrence on their emotional wedding day". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  48. Hughes, Rob (13 April 2012). "Games to Make or Break a Season". New York Times. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  49. Georgia Morgan (27 January 2015). "Brad Jones and Dani Lawrence celebrate daughters first birthday". liverpoolecho.
  50. "Brad Jones Bio/Stats/News". ESPN Soccernet. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  51. Brad Jones at National-Football-Teams.com
  52. "Boro lift Carling Cup". BBC Sport. 29 February 2004. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  53. "Blackpool 2–0 Southend". BBC Sport. 21 March 2004. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  54. Feyenoord wint KNVB-beker mede dankzij prachtgoal Van Persie – AD (in Dutch)
  55. "Jones the shootout hero as Feyenoord win Super Cup". The World Game. 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  56. "Brad Jones wins Saudi Arabian title with Al Nassr". Fox Sports. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  57. "النصر يضرب الهلال بالثلاثة.. ويُتوج بكأس السوبر السعودي للمرة الثانية (صور وفيديو)" [Al-Nasr strikes Al-Hilal by three ... and crowns the Saudi Super Cup for the second time] (in Arabic). Akhbaar 24. 30 January 2021. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  58. "لوشيسكو وجونز ورومارينهو يحصدون أول جوائز الأفضلية". spl.com.sa (in Arabic). Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  59. "فيتوريا وجونز وإدواردو يحصدون جوائز الأفضلية لشهر أكتوبر".
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brad Jones.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.