RITCHIE Jones wants to put Saturday's 'false start' behind him – and finally make his Grimsby Town debut at Halifax tomorrow night.
The former Manchester United midfielder has joined the Mariners on a month-to-month contract after impressing on trial – as revealed at grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport
But, despite penning that deal on Friday afternoon, the 26-year-old was forced to watch Saturday's Conference victory over Braintree from the Main Stand at Blundell Park.
After his spell in the US with Major League Soccer (MLS) side San Jose Earthquakes, Jones requires international clearance before he can make his Town bow.
The club, and the player, remain hopeful that will be rubber-stamped today, allowing the ex-Oldham man to take his place in the squad.
"I was in a hotel in Grimsby on Friday night and thinking I would probably be involved in the squad for Saturday's game," he told the Telegraph.
"So I was really disappointed that it didn't go through on time.
"I'm just eager to get started and get back on the pitch – the international clearance is the only thing we're waiting for now and I can't wait to get that sorted."
Saturday's watching brief did give Jones the opportunity to sample the BP atmosphere, however, as Lenell John-Lewis' first-half goal gave Paul Hurst's men a priceless three points and lifted them to seventh in the table.
He added: "I know all about the size of the club – it's got a great following. The thousands of fans that come to watch every home game speaks for itself.
"I saw that for myself on Saturday and wasn't surprised by the level of support in the slightest.
"I watched them in the play-offs last season and I know Ross Hannah well because I was at Bradford City with him, so he's told me all about the club.
"I live near Clayton McDonald back home as well, so I know quite a bit about Grimsby Town already.
"They played well on Saturday and deserved the win, but now we need to get another three points on the board when we go to Halifax tomorrow night.
"I didn't have a pre-season at all because I've not been training with a team over here, but I was over in the MLS in June, so I've kept myself pretty fit. It's not been nice, being without a club, so I really appreciate being under contract this time around and want to make the most of this opportunity."
