PNE's latest shot stopper is determined to reach the high standards set by the Lilywhites for this season, after his Play-Off disappointment last time out.
Like his new club, North End’s new number one also suffered Play-Off heartache last season with Orient after they were beaten in the Play-Off final against Rotherham in May.
But Jones is strong-minded that there will be no anguish come the end of this season for him and for Preston starting with Notts County on Saturday.
On whether getting so close to promotion last year drives the 25-year-old to go one better this season, Jones said “Yes – no doubt about it, it definitely does.
“But that goes with the other lads who were here last season as well – they just missed out, and getting beat in a Play-Off semi-final is just as bad as getting beat in a Play-Off final, so we’re all going to use it to motivate us all and push us on.
“That begins with the Notts County game on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a tough game no doubt about it, but we know what we need to do – we need to work harder than the opposition and want it more, and if we do that than our class will start coming through and we want to start with a victory in that game.
“We feel fit, ready and can’t wait to get going on Saturday and make sure we give the fans an idea of what we’re all about.”
Along with fellow Liverpool-born Calum Woods, Jones was the first of five new recruits to switch allegiances to Preston this summer, and after having two months to get to know his new team-mates, the goalkeeper is confident he knows what makes his colleagues tick.
“The lads have welcomed me into the squad and it’s been good to train, play and have a laugh with them,” continued Jones.
“Before I came here I didn’t know anyone apart from Tom Clarke and Dave Buchanan but I’ve been driving into training with fellow scousers like Welshie (John Welsh) and Cal (Woods) so I’ve got to know them quite well.
“I’d like to think I know the ins and outs of everyone’s games now so I’ve bedded in well and I’m sure that will show on Saturday.”
Jones was awarded the number one jersey on his arrival to North End presuming he is Simon Grayson’s first choice in net over Thorsten Stuckmann and Steven James.
However, the Everton youth product doesn’t see it like that at all, and is refusing to take his shirt for granted.
“Competition in the squad is what it’s all about- it keeps us going and improves us because you know that you can’t rest on your laurels every Saturday.
“You’ve got to get out there and work to make sure you’re given your shirt come 3:00pm on a Saturday afternoon.”
But Jones is strong-minded that there will be no anguish come the end of this season for him and for Preston starting with Notts County on Saturday.
On whether getting so close to promotion last year drives the 25-year-old to go one better this season, Jones said “Yes – no doubt about it, it definitely does.
“But that goes with the other lads who were here last season as well – they just missed out, and getting beat in a Play-Off semi-final is just as bad as getting beat in a Play-Off final, so we’re all going to use it to motivate us all and push us on.
“That begins with the Notts County game on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a tough game no doubt about it, but we know what we need to do – we need to work harder than the opposition and want it more, and if we do that than our class will start coming through and we want to start with a victory in that game.
“We feel fit, ready and can’t wait to get going on Saturday and make sure we give the fans an idea of what we’re all about.”
Along with fellow Liverpool-born Calum Woods, Jones was the first of five new recruits to switch allegiances to Preston this summer, and after having two months to get to know his new team-mates, the goalkeeper is confident he knows what makes his colleagues tick.
“The lads have welcomed me into the squad and it’s been good to train, play and have a laugh with them,” continued Jones.
“Before I came here I didn’t know anyone apart from Tom Clarke and Dave Buchanan but I’ve been driving into training with fellow scousers like Welshie (John Welsh) and Cal (Woods) so I’ve got to know them quite well.
“I’d like to think I know the ins and outs of everyone’s games now so I’ve bedded in well and I’m sure that will show on Saturday.”
Jones was awarded the number one jersey on his arrival to North End presuming he is Simon Grayson’s first choice in net over Thorsten Stuckmann and Steven James.
However, the Everton youth product doesn’t see it like that at all, and is refusing to take his shirt for granted.
“Competition in the squad is what it’s all about- it keeps us going and improves us because you know that you can’t rest on your laurels every Saturday.
“You’ve got to get out there and work to make sure you’re given your shirt come 3:00pm on a Saturday afternoon.”