Speaking to Football Presse, Jones reflects on a career built on consistency, adaptability and a deep understanding of the game’s demands.
“The most important time in my career is when I made my debut as a young player at Everton,” Jones declared. “I was an Evertonian as a supporter, and then to play for your hometown club is a great honour for me and my family.”
That connection to Everton has never faded. Jones believes the club is now moving in the right direction under manager David Moyes, particularly with a stronger midfield core.
“The big difference that David Moyes has made now is that he’s got three quality midfield players,” Jones explained. “They have the key to the door — they can open defences, they have a little bit of magic.”
Among those players, Jones highlighted Jack Grealish as a game-changer.
“When you’ve got a player that does something different on the pitch that nobody’s expecting, that’s the key,” he said. “Jack has that. I’ve always liked him — he became a better player at Manchester City and now at Everton he’s showing his qualities with more freedom.”
Yet, for all Everton’s progress, Jones sees one clear weakness.
“Where Everton are lacking at the moment is probably a top striker to finish the opportunities,” he said. “If they can find a goalscorer, they will finish well above halfway.”
Jones’ perspective is shaped by decades in management, where he built a reputation for delivering results across multiple clubs.
“I’ve been very lucky in my career,” he said. “Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve always achieved something. Winning football matches and trophies is always something special.”
However, he is equally candid about the challenges of the modern game — particularly the increasing scrutiny on players.
Reflecting on struggling teams, Jones did not hold back.
“The players need to answer a lot of questions,” he said of former club Wolves this season. “Two points from 15 or 16 games — that’s not acceptable.”
It is this accountability, he believes, that defines success in today’s football.
“Every time you lose a game, you think you should have done something different,” Jones admitted. “But if you keep looking back like that, you’ll be very down. You have to move forward.”
Jones also sees the evolution of football as both an opportunity and a challenge. While the game has improved technically, he insists mentality remains decisive.
“In football, you always have an opportunity to bounce back,” he said. “That’s the beauty of the game.”
Looking ahead, Jones is eager to return to the sport in a meaningful role.
“I would like to get back into management,” he revealed. “Or maybe as a sporting or technical director where I can pass on my knowledge. I have plenty to give.”
His passion for football remains undiminished — whether that takes him back to the dugout or into a leadership role behind the scenes.
“Winning trophies is always the best thing,” Jones said. “And I’ve been lucky that wherever I’ve been, I’ve achieved something.”
For a man who has lived the highs and lows of English football, that record — and that perspective — continues to define him.