http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27601001 Billy Jones: Sunderland sign West Brom defender on free transfer Sunderland have sealed the signing of West Brom defender Billy Jones on a free transfer after he rejected a new deal at the Hawthorns. The 27-year-old has agreed a four-year deal, and will officially join the Black Cats on 1 July. "I'm really happy to be here and I'm looking forward to getting back for pre-season and kicking on," said Jones. "I've played at the Stadium of Light a number of times so I know what great backing the club has." He added: "I knew I was signing for a massive club with everything in place to kick on up the league and carry on moving forward." Jones joined West Brom from Preston in 2011, going on to make 74 appearances for the club, having begun his career at Crewe Alexandra. West Brom said they had been in contract negotiations with Jones since October 2013 and were "disappointed" by the full-back's decision to reject what they described as "vastly-improved terms". "Billy rejected this and has exercised his right to run down his contract with a view to joining Sunderland," said West Brom director of football administration Richard Garlick. "We're obviously disappointed by Billy's decision but wish him well in his future career. "With there being no guarantees that Billy would re-sign, we have been preparing for this scenario and will pursue the options we have been exploring in the right-back position."
Looks like a nice solid platform to build from. Younger than Bards & at least as good, plus he can play in more places. Probably a cut in the wage bill too. Seems like good business. Now, when are we signing Alonso?
Poyet explained: “In any squad, if we play 4-3-3 - my system - I like to have three goalkeepers and seven defenders, NOT eight,” “I want two players for place in the other positions, but not at the back - I like to use that extra player somewhere else, so you can have a squad of 23. “If one of the defenders can give you the option to play somewhere else, it helps you. “When you’ve got a centre-half who is only a centre-half, you need a full-back who can play both sides. “When you’ve got a centre-back who can play right-back, it gives you a big hand and I know Santiago can play there now. “I knew it, having watched him play right-back in Argentina, but he has also shown now he can do it well in the Premier League.” Sounds to me like the 7 will be: 1. Brown 2. O'Shea 3. New signing? 4. Alsono / please sign 5. Vergini / please sign 6. Roberge / other? 7. Jones
I'm up for this transfer from what I saw of him over the last couple of seasons. He's determined and gets up the pitch when he can. Plus his disciplinary record is good which suggests his tackling is pretty good. And he cost nowt
Solid signing this, especially given we had 0 full-backs on our books yesterday. It's nice to see a proven Premiership player coming in, meaning we don't have to worry about him needing time to adapt, also helps with the quota of home grown players. Can't really see any problems with this signing at all!
If he can pass a ball then he's an up grade. Those of him who know? Is going to be first choice or do you thing our next rb will be his back up competition?
If he's fit he's Prem quality so playing regularly has to be a possibility and that would liberate Vergini for the middle.
As far as I'm concerned whoever Gus signs will do for me. So long as we do make a bid for Fabio Borini this summer as our top priority.
I only want Vergini at centre back. Poyets comments about only wanting 7 defends has frankly pissed me off.
Just had a look on the WBA board to see if they had any comments. There`s not a soul about, The place is deserted.
Must agree with Funk 7 defenders leaves you very short at the back... Personally think you only need 2 keepers then you can have the youth keeper as the third then possibly 8-9 defenders, 8-9 midfielders then 4 attackers...have some u21s kicking about there too
