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Page last updated at 12:15 GMT, Thursday, 20 August 2009 13:15 UK

Maynard concedes Jones concerns

Simon Jones
Simon Jones joined Worcestershire from Glamorgan in 2007

Matthew Maynard admits it is a "big if" if former England bowler Simon Jones is to return to star for Glamorgan.

Maynard admits Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell has been in talks with the paceman over a possible return after his release from Worcestershire.

"If we believe he will be fit come April next year, it would be fantastic to have him on the park for Glamorgan," said director of cricket Maynard.

"But that is still a big if. I do know Simon has talked with the chairman."

Jones, a key member of England's memorable 2005 Ashes win over Australia, has endured an injury-plagued career with his consistent knee problems.

The 30-year-old insists he will continue to play cricket and has had interest from a number of counties, other than Glamorgan, and has been linked with a potential move to Hampshire

Jones has dismissed suggestions of accepting a pay-as-you-play deal, stating he wants "security for myself and family".

But Maynard said: "Simon and I haven't talked talked terms or how the contract is going to work, whether we use him for a bit of PR and marketing and if he does prove his fitness he would get a match fee.

606: DEBATE

"The chairman has had the initial talks and I guess it is up to me to further those talks with Simon in the next week or so.

"We've had all of his medical records through and I'll chat with the physio Dean Conway about that."

Jones, who joined Worcestershire from Glamorgan two years ago, has endured an injury nightmare since helping inspire England to their first Ashes win over Australia for 17 years in 2005.

The Welshman took 42 wickets at an average of 18.02 to help Worcestershire win promotion to the County Championship Division One last season and was named in England's preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy.

However, injury ended his season prematurely and Jones' 2009 campaign never got started as he underwent an operation to have fluid drained from his injured knee in April.

Jones topped England's bowling average in their 2005 Ashes triumph and admitted he had mixed feelings over leaving the Welsh county in the first place.

"I have always said did not want to leave," said Jones, who spent nine years at Glamorgan after graduating through the academy at his home-county club.

"But it was one of those situations where I felt I had to go for my own good and for developing my cricket.

"I don't think what happened a couple of years ago would affect any decision to come back to Glamorgan, although I would have to speak to a couple of people.

"Two years is quite a long time but I would not have any problems coming back."

Jones admits some of his "options" could mean moving his family away from south Wales.

Counties such as Glamorgan maybe more comfortable in signing Jones, who has undergone career-saving knee surgery, on a pay-as-you-play deal due to his constant knee troubles.

But he insisted: "I don't want to be taking any play-as-you play contracts because I will back myself every time.

He added: "People have said I would be a big gamble.

"But counties can see all my medical records so if they thought it was a gamble they would shun me straightaway.

"I have been close contact with my management and things look positive."



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see also
Jones 'still has plenty to offer'
19 Jul 09 |  Worcestershire
Money dictates Worcs bowler chase
17 Jul 09 |  Worcestershire
Worcestershire approach Hoggard
24 Jun 09 |  Worcestershire
Jones is ruled out for the season
19 Jun 09 |  Worcestershire
Worcestershire seal Jones signing
19 Oct 07 |  Worcestershire
Jones decides to leave Glamorgan
17 Oct 07 |  Glamorgan


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