Stachan tells Jones he can leave

Southampton keeper Paul Jones today revealed that Gordon Strachan has told him he can leave the club in the January transfer window.

Jones’ first team run ended on Saturday when Strachan recalled the fit-again Antti Niemi for the defeat at Newcastle.

Strachan told Jones of his decision on Friday and the Wales keeper, currently in Cardiff preparing for Saturday’s Euro 2004 qualifier away to Switzerland, believes he has no future with the Saints.

Niemi won his place back after Southampton’s defeat at home to Middlesbrough when Malcolm Christie’s winner beat Jones at his near post.

“I had words with Gordon on Friday,” said Jones. “Gordon came to me and told me that Niemi would play and he would be his number one goalkeeper and I could go in the transfer window in January.

“I told him I didn’t agree with his decision but he’s the manager and I’ve got to live with it.”