Jordan Jones heaped praise on Steve Clarke for the way the manager handled him signing a pre-contract with Rangers in January.
The Gers’ official website near the start of January confirmed that the Kilmarnock winger had put to pen to paper on a deal to see the player arrive at Ibrox in the summer, and Jones shared what Clarke told him behind-the-scenes following his decision.
Jones revealed that Clarke told him that they needed to get the situation over and done with straight away by facing the media and telling him exactly what was going on.
“He said look we just need to get this over and done with straight away, we’re both gonna face the press and tell them how it is,” said Jones on Sky Sports Main Event (Sunday February 17th, 15:39).
“The way he handled the interview was different class and obviously we played Rangers and I scored the winner, so that sort of help me with the Kilmarnock fans but not on the other side.
“Just the way football is and I think it all worked out as well as it could pretty much in the end.”
OPINION
It’s no surprise to hear how well Clarke handled the whole situation regarding Jones as he is a very experienced manager, who would have dealt with just as many awkward scenarios before. It is also worth noting it was probably difficult for the Kilmarnock boss as Jones has done well for him this season and it must have been annoying to have to accept the fact the player was Ibrox-bound. However since Clarke and Jones publicly address his Rangers move, the 24-year-old has looked better for it. It’s like the pressure and rumours were effecting him and now a weight has been lifted so he can just focus on his football. Jones may have laughed off scoring the winning goal against Rangers for Kilmarnock, but it must have been a uniquely awkward scenario for him. Just like the player described he may have got Killie fans convinced that he is still giving his all for the club despite heading for the exit door, but it wasn’t the best way to win the hearts of Gers’ supporters.