Former Carlisle United winger Jordan Jones has signed for National League North club South Shields. The 31-year-old Northern Ireland international, who left Brunton Park by mutual agreement this summer, confirmed the move on Sunday night.
Jones spent much of the pre-season at the Professional Footballers' Association's camp for free agents before securing a deal with the Mariners. He joins a growing contingent of former Carlisle players at the club, including Cedwyn Scott, Adam Campbell, Jordan Marshall, and Dillon Morse. This move reunites him with manager Mike Williamson, under whom he played during his two-year stint at Carlisle.
Jordan Jones departed Carlisle United at the end of the 2025/26 season. He was two years into a three-year contract he signed after being brought to the club by Paul Simpson in 2024. His time in Cumbria was hampered by injuries and a struggle for form, limiting him to 30 appearances. The winger suggested those difficult periods affected his love for the game. His exit was finalized by mutual consent, allowing him to seek a fresh start elsewhere.
Mike Williamson took the managerial helm at South Shields this summer after previously serving as a coach and director of performance and culture at the club. His former Carlisle assistant, Ian Watson, who was previously his boss at South Shields, moved to Rochdale in the close season. Williamson's familiarity with Jones is seen as a key factor in the signing. Jones stated he feels he can regain his love for football under Williamson's guidance. "I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the club and build on the great relationship I have with the manager," Jones said.
South Shields currently sit fifth in the National League North standings after five games. The club hosts Marine on Tuesday night, offering Jones a potential early debut. His experience at clubs like Wigan Athletic and Kilmarnock, coupled with his international pedigree, is intended to bolster a squad pushing for promotion. Jones expressed his readiness, saying, "Really grateful to be here and be given the opportunity to enjoy my football again."
While Jones moves on, Carlisle United's focus is on their own National League campaign. As of 07 September 2026, the Blues are 14th in the table with 8 points from six games, recording two wins, two draws, and two losses. Their recent form reads LWDWD. They have scored 13 goals and conceded 10, giving them a +3 goal difference. In the title race, they are eight points behind early leaders Boreham Wood. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and view the full squad list for the season. The next fixtures are important as Paul Simpson's side looks to climb the table.
