[citation needed] As a youth he worked as a pit miner[6] and was one of several footballers to emerge from the area around the start of the 20th century, along with Billy Meredith and George Wynn.

He made only a single appearance in his first full season, scoring a goal in a 2–1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion in April 1904,[7] and by the time he received his next opportunity he had been at the club for two years.

Jones was not implicated in the scandal, but with few experienced teammates remaining, his team plunged from title contenders to relegation candidates.

[9] The following match was a club record 9–1 defeat at Everton, though over the course of the season enough points were gained to secure First Division survival.

[12] He continued to play for Manchester City until competitive football ceased due to the First World War, at which point he volunteered for the 23rd (Service) Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, "Sportmen's Battalion"[13] When League football resumed in 1919, Jones was transferred to Southend United.