Baggies want Dave Jones

Following Bryan Robson's decision to 'walk before being pushed' earlier this week, Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace has drawn up a list of suitable candidates to suceed Robson and bring the midlands club back to the Premiership. Jones has caught the eye of many an ambitious chairman after his extrememly impressive job in turning Cardiff City from relegation fodder to serious promotion contenders on a measly budget. It is testimony to Jones skills that players who have joined have all commented on their decision being strongly influenced by the scouser.

Jones' has made no secret of his ambition to manage in the premiership again after spells with Southampton and Wolves ending in controversy and DJ could be forgiven for thinking his skills were not given a fair chance. A club of WBA's stature and financial resources would interest Jones but he is most likely to stick with Cardiff. Dave has committed himself to Hammam's and Ridsdales dream and rejected advances from at least three clubs over the summer. He wants to take Cardiff to the premiership and can only have been encouraged by the performances and position to date. Coupled to that his family now being well settled in the Vale of Glamorgan and the lack of get-out-clause in Jones contract, it seems he will not be going anywhere too soon - something that will be a huge relief to Bluebirds players, staff and supporters alike. One thing for certain is that Jones will not allow any speculation to affect him as he prepares the team for Sundays game against Southend.

Seemingly the only thing that would cause DJ to want to leave soon would be a problem with the building of Cardiff's new ground and training facilities - something Jones believes is crucial to the club.

Whilst WBA and also Leeds United (parted company with Ian Blackwell and also expressing an interest in Jones) may both try to lure Jones to them with offers of large experienced squads and transfer money to spend, it seems Jones is happy, for the moment at least, to remain in South Wales. And long may that continue!

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