Talented star pens new Wigan Athletic contract extension
The 19-year-old former England Schoolboys captain has signed an improved three-year deal.
And Maloney – who was impressed with the young Yorkshireman during the recent training camp in Hungary – is expecting big things.
“Securing Josh on a three-year contract is another positive statement from the football club and shows again the good work of our Academy structure,” he said.
“He has had a slightly different journey than other players in our Academy, but he’s impressed me greatly with his personality and the intensity that he brings each day.
“Josh has been training with the first team since the start of pre-season and I am excited to see his development.
“He knows if he continues to work hard both on and off the field, he will get opportunities within our team.”
Leeds-born Stones came through the ranks at Bradford, before moving to non-league Guiseley.
Having won England honours with Guiseley, Latics beat a number of EFL sides to secure his signature last summer.
Stones made his senior bow at the beginning of last term off the bench at Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup, and spent the second half of last term on loan at Ross County.
“I’m over the moon,” he said. “We’ve been talking about it for a long time so I’m delighted to have got it done.
“I’ve enjoyed the last year and, when Wigan offered me a new three-year deal, I wanted to stay because I am happy here.
“Everyone is together and it’s a great club to be at.”
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The ex-Standish High School and Winstanley College student – and lifelong Latics fan – was made redundant when the administrators moved in at the DW in the summer of 2020.
Jackson helped out in an unpaid capacity during that period, and also during the recent process of Latics finding new ownership.
And his skillset made him an obvious choice for the ambitious Ammies.
“The potential of the club was a very compelling narrative,” he said. “The ambition of the owners to grow Salford City and compete at the highest level possible was evident immediately from my initial conversations with the directors
“We know how competitive football is in this country, especially in the north west of England, but I think Salford has got something unique about it.
“The rapid growth of the club over the last few years has been interesting to watch and I know the plan is to continue that trajectory.
“So much good work has been done already to get the club from non-league to be a League Two club, and I’m excited to now be part of that journey and to help drive it as far as possible.
“But at the same time maintaining the authentic spirit of the club and its connection with the community and the supporters.
“I think it’s really important to keep those foundations as the club grows, and I have good experience of dealing with the challenges that arise when football clubs develop at a fast pace.
“I have been impressed with the really strong team ethic here, and it’s been particularly enjoyable to meet people who’ve been at the football club for a long time and have seen the club grow so quickly.
“Hearing about the history of Salford and the part that the Club plays in the community has been fascinating.
“The club’s story, the dedication of my new colleagues and the ambition of the owners continue to create a unique story.
“I am fortunate to have had extensive experience in football both during successful times and very challenging periods.
“Participating in the Premier League and EFL meetings over a number of years and having been responsible for every part of the operation of a football club has helped me to understand the unique challenges that football throws at the senior management team – especially financially.
“I intend to use that experience to assist Nicky (Butt, CEO) and the rest of the management team to bring further success to Salford City.
“Hopefully I can help in different areas of the club’s operations, starting with creating a financial model and we will use that financial model as a framework to achieve the club’s short and long-term objectives.
“The club has competed in League Two for four seasons and I am aware that there is a strong desire to push on.
“I am sure that we will have everybody working together to try to achieve success this season and continue the impressive progress that Salford has achieved so far. I am delighted to be part of the team!”
Since leaving Latics, Jackson has been an independent football and business consultant, working predominantly with tech start-up companies that have developed software for football clubs and academies.
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