Former Wigan Athletic winger Jordan Jones has signed for National League North club South Shields. The 31-year-old Northern Ireland international joins the non-league outfit after being a free agent since leaving Carlisle United.
Jones, who won 19 caps for his country between 2017 and 2021, links up with South Shields boss Mike Williamson. The manager previously signed the player for Carlisle United two years ago. The club's official statement confirmed the move, pending approval from the FA and the league, and highlighted Jones's extensive experience across the EFL, SPFL, European, and international football.
What is Jordan Jones's connection to Wigan Athletic?
Jordan Jones arrived at Wigan Athletic from Rangers in the summer of 2021. His time at the DW Stadium was mixed. He found it difficult to secure a regular starting role under then-manager Leam Richardson. This led to loan spells back in Scotland with St Mirren and Kilmarnock.
His fortunes changed during the 2023/24 campaign under Shaun Maloney. Jones became an important part of the squad and was offered a new contract when his deal expired. He initially turned down that offer to explore other options, which prompted Wigan to move for other signings. However, he returned to the club on a short-term, one-month deal in the 2024/25 season to help cover an injury crisis before his subsequent move to Carlisle United.
Who else with Wigan links is at South Shields?
Jones is not the only former Latics player making the move to Mariners Park. He joins fellow ex-Wigan winger Sean McGurk, who also signed for South Shields. Also, Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Tom Watson spent the majority of the previous season on loan with the National League North side, gaining valuable first-team experience. This creates a notable cluster of players familiar with the setup at the DW Stadium now plying their trade in the north-east.
What is the current context for Wigan Athletic?
While former players find new clubs, the current Wigan Athletic squad is navigating a challenging start to the 2026/27 League One season. The team currently sits 24th in the standings, having collected just three points from their opening five matches. Their record shows one win and four losses, with a recent run of form reading LWLLL. They have scored five goals but conceded 11, leaving them with a goal difference of minus six.
This poor start has left them a significant nine points behind the early league leaders, Sheffield Wednesday. The gap to the top shows the scale of the task facing Shaun Maloney's side as they look to climb the table. You can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our dedicated fixtures page.
What did Jordan Jones say about the move?
In comments released by South Shields, Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter. "I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the club and build on the great relationship I have with the manager," he said. The winger also framed the move as a fresh start, adding, "It’s an opportunity to fall back in love with football and do whatever it takes to bring success to South Shields."
His new club currently lies fifth in the National League North table, just two points behind leaders Oxford City. South Shields finished second last season behind AFC Fylde but were eliminated in the promotion play-offs by Kidderminster Harriers. Jones's most recent football came over two seasons with Carlisle United in League Two and the National League. Wigan Athletic's immediate focus is a tough away trip to face league leaders Sheffield Wednesday on September 12th.
