Jones’ position at Killie could end up untenable after his gaffe on Twitter
Jordan Jones’ role as a Kilmarnock player could become untenable if the Rugby Park fans turn on him.
That’s the view of fellow Northern Ireland internationalist, Stephen Craigan.
The winger has signed a pre-contract deal to join Rangers in the summer.
That news was disappointing enough for the Ayrshire fans because they see the Ibrox club as rivals in their bid to win the Premiership.
Jones then inflamed the situation by talking of his love for the Ibrox club on social media and posting “#WATP” on Twitter.
Craigan believes the storm is exactly why the pre-contract system is bad for the game.
He said: “The rules are in place and there’s no getting away from it.
“So do I like the pre-contracts? No, I don’t.
“I think the system was put in place for the top, top players.
“The Bosman rule and pre-contracts were introduced so the top players could move freely.
“But it’s affecting smaller clubs, and this sort of title challenge from Kilmarnock
“There’s no doubt it’s had an effect. “Steve Clarke may come out and play it down, but Jones is one of the most important players in the squad.
“Now there are questions about the credibility of him staying at Kilmarnock, and the credibility of them going for the title.
“There’s upheaval and upset in the dressing room.
“I think it’s moments like this when you think the pre-contract rule shouldn’t be in place.”
Craigan insists it will be difficult for all concerned when Kilmarnock play Rangers in their first league match after the winter break on January 23.
He went on: “The cup game against Forfar wouldn’t be a huge issue.
“But if Jordan Jones is still at Kilmarnock come the Rangers match, it will be interesting to see what happens.
“Jordan’s social media stuff is naive, to say the least. I’d be surprised if someone has advised him on that. It could just be a personal thing.
“I’m a big believer that if you’re going to earn Brownie points from a club, then earn it from your playing style. Let the fans buy into what you do when you’re playing.
“I think he’s disrespected Kilmarnock a little bit.
“The next couple of games will show if his position is untenable.
“It’s hard to say just now because he hasn’t played.
“But once he gets into the team, I think the Kilmarnock fans are going to go for him.
“Steve Clarke will then have a big decision to make.”
Craigan, who recently left his job as reserve team boss at Motherwell, is concerned about the possible transfer of 19-year-old midfielder, David Turnbull, who has been linked with a move away from Fir Park.
The Northern Irishman said: “His contract’s up in the summer, and there’s been four or five offers, I understand, from Motherwell to his representative.
“It looks like his representative wants him to go somewhere else.
“I’m not involved at the club any more, and I haven’t spoken to him since I left.
“But agents have to be careful what they’re doing with young players.
“David has played 15 or 16 games. Why not let him stay and get to the 50 mark?
“I think sometimes you should leave the management and development to coaches and managers.
“David has been at Fir Park since he was nine years of age.
“He’s a Motherwell fan, and it would be a huge disappointment if the club lost a player of his calibre because the agent felt he could make a few quid.
▪ Premier Sports will screen the biggest games from the Scottish Cup for the next six years. Available on Sky, Virgin Media and via the Premier Player, new subscribers can get their first month free. Visit premiersports.com for details.