The 45-year-old took over in January 2016 when the team were in the lower half of League Two, and after reaching the play-offs in his first full season, he led the Town to promotion last term.
“It’s a fantastic achievement, for my first job, my first club – to reach that milestone is quite an achievement these days in the current climate,” said the Welshman. “I think we’re in a good place and have started well. I’m very proud to have led this club for 149 games, and 150 on the weekend.”
Asked what the key ingredient was to his success in not only lasting that long, but turning the Hatters’ fortunes around, he replied: “Hard work. I felt it was a good match, myself and the club. That’s proved to be the case.
“We’ve got good people throughout the club from top to bottom. The same decision makers. We’ve worked tirelessly from day one that we came in, myself, my staff, the players. People have bought into it.
“We’ve managed to sign good people and they’ve bought into what we’ve done, and it’s a good environment. The biggest thing would be hard work. Yes, there’s ability here in terms of people and what they are good at. We’ve recruited well I feel, with both players and staff.
“But hard work – we work tirelessly day in, day out. That should be a given, but it’s too easily said. I know the work we do, and that’s what it’s down to.”
With 74 victories from his 149 games and just 35 defeats so far, Jones has a win ratio of 49 per cent since moving to Kenilworth Road from Brighton.
“I’d like it above 50!” he smiled. “The thing which is good is that since I’ve come in, our defeat ratio is very low. Last year it was seven. The year before I think it was nine. We don’t tend to lose many games, which is good. We are an attacking side so we try to win games.
“But if I can do that – I’d take 49 for the rest of my career. It would be wonderful if we’re winning one every two, and we’re only losing probably one every four – or something like that – it’s a good ratio to have. I don’t take it for granted, but I’ve got good people all around me, in terms of players, staff, directors, fans, just good people all the way round, so it’s a good position for the club to be in."
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