Under-21s defender Ed Jones has penned his first professional contract, keeping him at Everton until the end of June 2024. 

Jones joined the Club’s Academy at the age of 10 and has developed into a modern, versatile defender with impressive technical ability. While he can comfortably play as a wing-back, it is in central defence where he has performed and thrived most often.    

After putting pen to paper on his new one-year deal, the 18-year-old told evertontv: “I’m really happy to get the contract signed. It’s been a long journey and it’s a proud moment to be here with all my family. I am excited for the season to get started.      

“I’ve been at Everton for a long time, me and my dad used to have Season Tickets and we’d watch a lot of games. This place is like a second home to me. 

“There are a lot of people around the Club who I know - coaches and players - so it’s been a good step for me to get my first professional contract and now hopefully I can try to kick on in the next few years.”    

Injuries forced Jones to miss a large portion of last season, yet, he returned to full fitness in March and featured in each of the final nine games for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s.     

The young Blues suffered just two defeats during that run, with Jones playing an integral role in their fine form. Reflecting on that run, the defender admitted getting plenty of minutes under his belt was crucial after his enforced time on the sidelines. 

“It was really important for my game,” he reflected. “For lots of reasons: fitness, confidence and just getting back into the schedule again. I had a tough season with quite a few injuries.     

“But Leighton was really good with me, he gave me all the minutes needed to get me back up to speed for the season. It really helped me in terms of confidence and getting back into match structure. We did well, too, we won quite a few games. It was all positive, definitely.”    

Having finished the season so strongly, Jones was keen to thank Baines and his staff for their role in helping him through his difficult period in the treatment room.  

“Leighton and Kieran [Driscoll - Under-18s assistant head coach] are really good with you,” he added. “They’ll take you to one side if they think you need certain aspects improving or I can go and ask them.     

“Especially this year with my injuries, I made sure I was open and honest with them and asked questions about match playing time. They were really good with me.”    

Now back and ready for the new campaign, Jones says his aim for the next 12 months is to make up for lost time and secure a regular spot in Paul Tait’s Under-21s. 

“My goal for next season is to stay injury-free and as fit as possible. I want to play as many minutes as I can,” he added. 

“I want to kick on and be a starter for the Under-21s. Then if any opportunities come to train with the Senior Team, that will be a bonus.”