Huddersfield Town's Pat Jones exits for Exeter in permanent move

The Welsh under-21 international has joined League One rivals Exeter City on transfer deadline day

Huddersfield Town academy graduate Pat Jones has departed the club for League One rivals Exeter City in a permanent move for an undisclosed fee.

The Wales under-21 international has been on the fringes of the first team since making his debut in January 2021 as an extremely well-regarded youth prospect, but persistent hamstring injuries prevented Jones from establishing himself as a regular.

Jones made his last appearance for Town as a late substitute in Tuesday evening’s League Cup defeat to Walsall, but has otherwise not been in Michael Duff’s plans htis season.

Boasting electric pace on the wing or up front, 21-year-old Jones will now get a chance at a fresh start elsewhere in the English third tier.

Huddersfield Town sporting director Mark Cartwright said in a club statement: “Graduating from our academy with a strong reputation both on and off the field, Pat’s initial impact was really promising, but unfortunately he hasn’t been able to replicate that enough in the past two seasons.

“Having struggled for fitness and consistency since stepping up to first team level, Pat hasn’t been able to fulfil the promise he showed coming through the academy, and would require a role bigger than we’re able to provide him to be able to recapture that, so this is a move that is in the best interests of all involved.

“Pat leaves with our collective best wishes after displaying a commendable level of effort and commitment in his time with us, and he is always welcome back at the Club.”

Head coach Michael Duff added: “Pat has been a pleasure to work with since we arrived at the Club, and he’s pushed hard in trying to make the most of the opportunities we’ve been able to present him in pre-season and in our opening games.

“A player of his age and profile needs consistency and to be challenged with a bigger role than we’re in a position to be able to provide him. The move and deal make sense for everyone, and I wish Pat the very best in his career.”