Ex-Man Utd star opens up on club atmosphere after transfer to Bristol City
Carrie Jones of Wales in action. Wales v Greece in a FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier at Parc y Scarlets on the 26th November 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Wales winger Carrie Jones has said the uncertainty surrounding Manchester United contributed to her move to Bristol City this summer.
Jones had been at United since 2020 but decided to move on from the club this summer after a successful loan spell at Leicester City last season.
She said: “Having had the loan spell at Leicester and getting that exposure in the WSL, I grew so much as a player and as a person. Being realistic, with the position I play in at Manchester United, it was the best thing for me in order to continue that development and get more minutes elsewhere.”
It’s been a summer of turnover at Old Trafford. A total of 22 players have departed United this summer, with reports that the likes of Mary Earps are unhappy at the club.
Behind the scenes, United on the outside, look out of control at times, and while the summer was uncertain, Jones has praised the culture the players have cultivated.
“For me, I always try and focus on the football side of things. At United, there was a bit of uncertainty during pre-season, but I tried to focus on the football, and I enjoyed my pre-season there.
“I got to train with great players, and the girls up there are unbelievable players to train with. There’s such a good team culture there that the players have created for themselves, and that’s massive credit to them. It’s all down to the players.”
Jones has headed back down south to join newly promoted Bristol City. Along with a handful of Welsh players, the Robins have two Welsh people at the helm, and Jones is looking forward to linking up with them once more.
“I’ve worked with Lauren Smith before and I know a lot of the girls at the club already, and it was the perfect fit for me.
“It’s not just Lauren Smith but Loren Dykes too, who I used to play with, and she’s now a coach with Bristol City. Having worked with the two of them before, it’s a lot easier and it’s been so refreshing stepping into a new environment.”
While Jones has joined a new club, her first club, Cardiff City Ladies, have been taken over by Damien Singh and Julian Jenkins. The two men have set out a roadmap to get into the WSL sooner rather than later, and Jones is backing them to get there.
“Why not! You look at the progress Wrexham have made with their ownership; nothing is impossible in football. I went to watch them against Cheltenham last week and it was a great game. They’re in a good league which is also really competitive, so why can’t they dream of getting to the WSL?”
Away from club football, Jones and her Wales teammate are preparing for the start of the new Nations League campaign.
“We’re all really excited. It’s a new tournament for us, and it will be an opportunity to develop ourselves and we’re looking forward heading into these fixtures.”
Wales begin their campaign with games against Iceland and Denmark.
Gemma Grainger’s side have faced off against both Nordic nations during her two-year tenure already, and Jones is excited to play against two top sides once more.
“It’s going to be a really good challenge against them both, especially as we’ve played them quite recently.
“We kind of know what to expect, but Denmark, of course, are coming off the back of the World Cup and they’ve faced some high calibre teams. These are going to be two close games and we’re looking forward to it.”
Wales begin their Nations League campaign on Friday night as they travel to take on Iceland. Kick-off is at 19:00.
