Jonah Returns To The Alex

Steve Jones has made his long awaited return to Gresty Road today as he signs a loan deal to the end of the season. 'The Derry Dasher' has been number one target for Steve Holland since January but injuries have delayed any deal going through.

Jones spent five successful years with Crewe during 2001-2006 and made over 150 appearances. He was very much a fans favourite till his final season, where he seemed to lack the effort in his game that had made him loved. He also spent the entire 05-06 season making clear he would not be renewing his contract.

The winger-cum-striker's move to Burnley however hasn't been the most successful. Despite starting out well, Jonah has only made one start for Owen Coyle's men this season. Less than two years after leaving, Jones, like Kenny Lunt, has returned to Gresty Road.

Jones, who still lives locally, turned down League One rivals Huddersfield to return and looks set to make his debut on Saturday for the trip to Luton Town.

It does seem though that Jones may still be in contention at Burnley and any permanent deal is, at the moment, ruled out by Burnley's Owen Coyle who just wants Jonah to prove himself.

Coyle said: ''We have decided he can go to Crewe on loan until the end of the season and then he will come back to us in pre-season, obviously still under contract to ourselves and ready to give his all again.''

With the loan deadline closing at 5:00pm today Steve Holland has left it late to finalise the deal, and the Dutchman is still yet to tie up an extension for Dean Morgan, who's on loan from Saturday's opponents Luton Town.