'Grateful' - Gethin Jones opens up on Bolton Wanderers return & support after mum Karen's death

Gethin Jones has thanked all those connected to Bolton Wanderers for the 'brilliant' support shown to him and his family in the wake of his mother passing away as he targets a positive end to the season.

Wanderers vice-captain Jones returned to action over the weekend for the club when he played in the 1-1 draw against Wigan Athletic.

He has recently been on compassionate leave following the death of his mother, Karen, who recently passed away.

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Karen, 56, lost her battle with motor neurone disease (MND) after being diagnosed last summer with the illness, for which there is currently no cure.

Karen, a much-loved former midwife, leaves behind Bolton vice-captain and sons Gethin and Dylan, daughter Ela and husband Gareth.

Jones had been on compassionate leave after the loss of his mum and recently returned to action in the weekend's 1-1 draw against Wigan.

The Wanderers vice-captain has now opened up following his mother's death and outlined the overwhelming support him and his family have received from the club in the aftermath, something he is extremely grateful for.

Jones admits he has his difficult moments each day following the passing of Karen, her funeral being attended by the first team squad, but draws the courage to carry on with his football as he knows that is what she would want.

He said: “It was quite difficult to begin with, but I think the main bit for me was to stay at home with the family and I can’t thank Sharon, the board, the gaffer, the whole club, the players, the fans, for the support that myself and the family have had.

"I had no pressure whatsoever to come back and it was good to be back