Kenwyne blames himself for enforced rest

Nov 12 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Jones has been wholeheartedly supported by Steve Bruce since the red card, but that did not prevent him from receiving a club fine – and his manager has privately reminded the 25-year-old of the need for discipline under provocation. However, it is an issue both men would now like to be closed.

“I’ve been sent off once before in my career and I don’t want it to happen again,” added Jones. “I’m not an angry person. I can’t say I never get angry, but I don’t really show that sort of emotion. I wouldn’t say it was the first time I’ve got angry, but it happened at that moment in time and I’m sorry for that.

“The manager hasn’t said anything more about it to me. I’ve been fined and that is what the club has to do. I can only concentrate on training and making sure I’m ready to come back into the side when the three games are up.

“It is strange when you’re fit and training, but you know you aren’t going to be playing for a few weeks. It is frustrating, but I’ve had this experience before and I kind of know how to deal with it. It’s hard, though, especially when the team has been going so well in terms of performances.”

There has been plenty of speculation about Jones’ future ever since Tottenham Hotspur revealed their interest in him 12 months ago, while the arrival of Bruce also led some to question his long-term future at the Stadium of Light. Bruce failed in a bid to sign England international Peter Crouch in the summer, which sparked debate as to whether he rated the £6m signing from Southampton as highly as others on Wearside. However, Jones appears to be settled at the Stadium of Light and gives no indication he is thinking about leaving at this stage.

He said: “I’m not happy at the moment because I’m not playing, but I am happy with the way Sunderland are progressing. It feels like there is something building up here and there is momentum. The club is doing well and the team is doing well.

“No matter what you do as a footballer there are always doubts about your future. There is always the threat of an injury ending your career so I think most footballers worry about their futures everyday.

“At the same time you have to believe in yourself and your ability.”