Wrexham right to pick head over heart with January sale | OneFootball

After nearly four years at the red dragons James Jones has decided to leave the double promotion winners in search of regular game time.

Wrexham made the gut-wrenching decision to sell fan favourite midfielder James Jones to Burton Albion in the January window after nearly four years with the club.

Jones has made 138 appearances for the Reds ever since signing in 2021 – helping them win promotion back to the EFL and climb back up the divisions.

The Reds were right to go with their heads with this move as, despite Jones being a cult hero at the club, there are simply better options in front of him now.

Summer signings Oliver Rathbone and George Dobson have been revelations so far this season for Wrexham and have ultimately secured themselves as undroppable. This is also alongside former Premier League winner Matty James, whose experience has been vital for the Wrexham midfield this season.

With some big spending late in the January transfer window, it made sense for Wrexham to get the midfielder off the wage bill even though it means the much-loved club servant will not see a third promotion this season should Phil Parkinson's side get the job done.

Phil Parkinson's comments on James Jones' exit

Clearly appreciative of Jones' service, Parkinson wished the double promotion winner the best after his departure was confirmed.

He told the club website: “We wish James all the best. He’s been with us right from the start of this journey and he’s really contributed over the last few years.

“We’ve lived through a lot with him, on and off the pitch. He’s a great lad and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

James Jones was fan favourite in North Wales

Despite being a fan favourite at the Race Course ground, Jones has struggled for game time so far this season, only making six appearances, and it does feel like it is the right time for him to depart.

Following his move to North Wales in 2021, Jones quickly established himself as popular figure for his energy and drive in running the midfield for the Reds. He drew up comparisons to former Wrexham midfielder Luke Summerfield as they were both known for their relentless efforts in the midfield battle.

He was a crucial member of the squad during Parkinson's first season in charge of the club and was one of the first signings under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Despite missing out on promotion in his first season due to losing in the play-offs, he went on to make 44 league appearances in the record-breaking promotion from the National League, and a further 23 appearances in the following season, achieving consecutive promotions, finishing second in league two.

Jones also managed to cement himself as a Wrexham hero for his knack for scoring important goals from midfield.

He scored in the very memorable FA Cup tie against Sheffield United during the 3-3 draw at the Race Course ground, in the iconic 6-5 comeback win over Dover, and most memorably, bagged a brace in a 5-5 comeback against Swindon Town that secured Wrexham the first point of their promotion campaign in league two.

New beginnings at Burton Albion

After four years in North Wales, James made the decision to move in search of regular first-team football, moving to League One strugglers Burton Albion on an 18-month contract.

The Brewers find themselves just outside the relegation spots and manager Gary Bowyer hopes Jones can bring a winning mentality to his side.

Bowyer told BBC Sport: "When I spoke to him, he was excited and wanted to come and join us, he also brings a winning mentality into the group after back-to-back promotions with Wrexham."

The Scottish-born midfielder joins his former teammate Jon Dadi Bodvarsson. The Icelandic forward had a short spell at Wrexham, signing for them in November 2024 on a short-term deal until January amid an injury crisis for the Reds. The forward has scored four goals in his first five League One games for the Brewers.

Despite being around the relegation places, Burton are actually in a good run of form, winning their last three games. Jones will hope to be able to make a quick impact and establish himself as an important first team player instantly like he did when he signed for Wrexham.