Welsh under 18 international central defender Rhodri Jones turned
out for Norwich Reserves in their victory over Northampton on
31st January 2001. Jones was seeking a new club after being told
he is to be released by Manchester United. After Norwich decided
that he wasn't up to First Division standard, especially in terms
of body strength, Rhodri joined Wrexham on trial. However he returned
to Carrow Road on 1st March 2001 to play for the Reserves against
Millwall, a game that resulted in a 4-2 loss, Norwich's first
of the season.
A couple of weeks later saw Rhodri on trial at Rotherham according
to the March 18th edition of Sport First. Rhodri obviously
made an impression as he signed a two year contract with the newly
promoted Millers in May 2001. Bristol Rovers were also keen but
the lure of Division One was greater than that of Division Three
!
Rhodri was given a free transfer by the Millers on 11th December
2002. After training with Newport County, he has signed for League
of Wales side Cwmbran. May 2003 saw Jones experience both highs
and lows. Cwmbran reached the Welsh Cup final but lost to Kenny
Brown's Barry Town (although Cwmbran will compete in the UEFA
Cup as Barry won the Welsh League). Injuries to Tony
Roberts, Bangor's Simon Davies and Chester's Lee Woodyatt
then saw Rhoddri, plus Barry's Lee Phillips and Haverfordwest's
Lee Kendall, called up to the Welsh semi-professional squad for
the Four Nations Tournament against England, Scotland and Ireland.
In June 2004, Rhodri moved to Carmarthen Town.
In July 2006, Rhodri was forced to quit the game due to a knee
cartiledge problem. He had scored ten goals in seventy-five Welsh
Premier appearances. Jones picked up the original injury as a
16-year old in his first pre-season at Old Trafford and has had
several operations since, none of which has solved the problem.
"We are all gutted and so sorry for Rhodri who has had
some really bad luck," said Old Gold manager Mark Jones.
"He's been a great captain and you couldn't wish to deal
with a better person than him. If I had a whole squad full of
Rhodri Joneses, then my life would be a whole lot easier,"
he added.