When Billy Jones left Preston North End in 2011, it was off the back of arguably the finest three-year stretch by a Deepdale right-back in the modern era.

The defender had been a mainstay in the side from the start of 2008/09 until the end of 2010/11 – missing just seven Championship games in that period – and was a real asset in the final third.

Across those three seasons, Jones scored 13 times and added 14 assists – a hugely impressive return for a full-back with his contributions helping the North West club reach the play-offs in 2008/09.

That form attracted Premier League interest, meaning that it was always going to be tough for Preston to keep hold of him in the summer of 2011.

Jones joined West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer and spent three seasons at the Hawthorns a spell in which he was fairly consistent when called upon but struggled to quite show the quality he had at Deepdale.

But he proved enough to convince Sunderland that he was Premier League quality because the Black Cats picked him up ahead of the 2014/15 campaign and he would spend a further four seasons at the Stadium of Light.

The right-back was part of the side that was relegated from the top flight and then the Championship in back-to-back years but didn't drop down to League One with them, opting instead to join Rotherham United.

Unfortunately, his first season with the Millers would see Jones relegated for a third consecutive campaign as they dropped down to League One.

The defender was little more than a bit-part player but did help them bounce back up and win promotion the following season but his contributions when back in the Championship were minor and he joined Crewe on loan in January.

He made just three appearances for the Railwaymen and was released by Rotherham after returning in the summer.

Jones has yet to find a new club and if this is it for his playing career, you feel there is a strong argument to be made that Deepdale is where he played his best football.