And right-back aims for further improvement
BILLY Jones says he is delighted to be voted Albion’s Zoopla Player of the Month by the fans.
The former Preston right-back, who joined the Baggies on a Bosman in 2011, was picked as the star performer in April via a vote on the club’s official Facebook page.
The 26-year-old defender grabbed his first goal for Albion in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle and also impressed in a 2-1 defeat by Arsenal and the 3-0 victory at Southampton.
And Jones, who has continued to grow as a player since moving to The Hawthorns, hopes to further improve his game next season.
“I am made up,” said Jones.
“It’s nice that the fans noticed the way I played.
“I feel I had some of my best individual performances in April.
“I think it’s great that the fans have noticed that I’ve maybe improved since I came here.
“Hopefully I can carry on improving, impressing and pushing forward.
“I feel I’ve improved overall compared to last season.
“I want to improve again, play even better and be an even bigger part of it next season with some better performances.”
The Shrewsbury-born defender insists he has not got carried away since netting his maiden Albion strike against the Magpies and admits he would prefer a clean sheet any day.
“I class myself first and foremost as a defender,” Jones added.
“I like the attacking side of things but I do love the defensive side of it too.
“I enjoy attacking but I’d rather get a clean sheet every weekend as a defender.
“I love being part of that back five.”
Jones admits playing in the Barclays Premier League has been a steep learning curve – but one he has not been fazed by.
“It is just a different type of defending playing right-back in the Championship compared to right-back in the Premier League." he said.
“You’re forever learning in the Premier League.
“A lot of the time when you think you’re right you end up being wrong.
“Then when you’re half a yard the wrong way you end up being caught out.
“I think I have carried on learning and improving so hopefully that will continue.”