Ex-Preston North End loan ace David Jones inspired by Man Utd legends

Former Deepdale loanee David Jones says he took inspiration from the world-class players who he grew up with at Manchester United.
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Jones, 35, spent a loan spell with Preston North End early in his fledgling United career.

In the 2005-06 season he made 24 league appearances and one more in the League Cup at PNE, scoring three times.

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It was a path he had seen trodden by a young David Beckham a decade earlier, and though he failed to emulate Becks’ glittering career he looks back with fondness on those early days.

David Jones and Exeters Danny Clay during the FA Cup third round tie in January, 2005 (Getty Images)David Jones and Exeters Danny Clay during the FA Cup third round tie in January, 2005 (Getty Images)
David Jones and Exeters Danny Clay during the FA Cup third round tie in January, 2005 (Getty Images)

While he did not make a Premier League appearance for United, during the 2004/05 season, at the age of 20, Jones lined up alongside Gerard Pique, Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo in an FA Cup tie at home to Exeter City.

But it was during training sessions at Carrington where he was able to excel alongside some of the best players in the world.

Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy were all there and that group was later joined by Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic.

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There was inspiration, motivation and fascination in every direction.

Jones after signing for PNE on loanJones after signing for PNE on loan
Jones after signing for PNE on loan

“It was absolutely brilliant being able to learn from some of the top players in the country under the most successful manager of all time,” said Jones said.

“I was involved for a few years, I went on pre-season tours, travelled with the first team and managed a couple of appearances.

“It definitely stood me in good stead to progress my

career.

“At the time I didn’t really appreciate how good it was, how much I was learning and how much of a privilege it was to be surrounded by players of that standard because it was all I’d known growing up.

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“I can definitely say that it’s something that I haven’t experienced since leaving United, it was absolutely brilliant.

“A lot of players in my age group had those opportunities and did well, but they didn’t quite make it at United. They went on and had good careers elsewhere.”

Jones, who is due to become a dad for the first time at the end of the month, added: “It was all I knew so the only thing I wanted to do was to play for Manchester United. I’d been around those players for a number of years so I was kind of spoilt really.

“That was the norm and it was only when you left the club that you realised that nowhere else was like that.

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“You think that’s the way every club is run, they’re all at that standard, but it was a special place for me to have grown up and gain a lot of experience.

“Their standards were so high on a consistent basis. Obviously they can do special things on the pitch in terms of performance, but it was their consistency levels and mentality to keep that going that stood out as well.

“When you’re training with players like Scholes, Keane, Carrick, Nicky Butt and Giggs you can see their ability, but hitting those standards every day was what set them apart.

“That’s why they continued to be winners throughout their careers. It was a great learning experience and a fantastic time.”

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Jones wasn’t able to make a career with the Red Devils, a shock League Cup defeat at the hands of Southend United at Roots Hall in 2006 proved to be his last appearance, but the club had succeeded in providing a pathway for his future.

And a lot of that was down to Ferguson.

“Even at age 11 you still feel a part of something because Alex Ferguson would drop in to watch an Under-12s game on a Saturday from the side of the pitch,” Jones said.

“You always felt like he was taking an interest in your development.

“When you got older, at 16, even with all those big names, the manager knew everybody’s name at the whole club and that made everybody feel a part of it.

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“That was a big part behind the success of the club at the time.

“I had huge respect for a manager that had won everything.

“The club had a great tradition for bringing young players through.

“I didn’t even like United when I was younger because I was at Liverpool and I was going to sign there, but they came in at the last minute and the moment I walked through the door I felt welcome and a part of something.

“It felt special and that was the case all the way through. Sir Alex Ferguson was a massive part of that and the feeling within the club hasn’t been the same since his departure until the feel-good factor returned recently.

“Sir Alex brought the whole club together, he made everyone feel like we were all building towards something and it was a great place to go into every day.”