‘A fierce competitor & loveable character’ – Joey Jones obituary

Joey Jones, a legendary former defender for Wales, Liverpool, and Wrexham, passed away at the age of 70. He was a fierce competitor, lovable character, and humble hero to supporters of every team he defended.

Jones won the 1977 European Cup and the 1977 League Championship with Liverpool. He also played for Chelsea and Huddersfield Town throughout his career.

He represented Wales in 72 appearances, making his country the most caps since 1986 when he retired from international football.

After retiring as a player, Jones went on to run and coach Wrexham, where he had previously played professionally.

Jones was a difficult person because of his lean frame and pipe-cleaning legs, but attackers feared him because of his unwavering, tough-tackling demeanor.

He became a regular favorite with fans wherever he played because of his signature clenched-fist salute.

Under John Neal and under Jones’ leadership, the club flourished in its first two years at Wrexham, winning numerous notable FA Cup victories.

In July 1975, Bob Paisley signed the young Reds fan for £110,000 after seeing his performances.

Before the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Monchengladbach, Liverpool’s all-star team having already defeated Saint Etienne and FC Zurich, their fans memorably unfurled a banner.

The phrase was “Joey Made The Swiss Roll, Now He’s Munching Gladbach,” as it was written.

In 2014, Jones stated to BBC Wales, “It was made by a few fans I really respect, and I think I think as much of that banner as I do of the medal.”

When there were such outstanding players at Liverpool, I felt 10 feet tall, to make a banner about myself.

Chelsea fans remember his efforts to prevent the club from relegation from the 1982-83 season to the Second Division, which he helped them win.

He was named one of the top 100 players to play for Liverpool in 1986 by Huddersfield fans, and he was one of them.

The emotions were reciprocal.

The supporters are, in my opinion, the most important members of any club, Jones said.

Without them, there would be neither a game nor a job.

His commitment to Wrexham is paltry in comparison to his 100 appearances for the great Liverpool team of the late 1970s and 91 for a fading, resurgent Chelsea.

Jones retired in 1992 after making 376 league appearances in three attempts after first starting for the club in North Wales in 1971.

After Brian Flynn’s departure in 2001, he served as a coach on the first team, reserve, and youth levels before taking over as caretaker manager.

He made his World Cup debut against Austria in 1975 for Wales, and he played for teams that only managed to earn places in the 1978, 1982, and 1986 World Cups.

His international work included those of Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, and Neville Southall, as well as John Toshack and Terry Yorath’s teams.

Off the field, Jones had a tough-as-as-a-thon attitude.

Wales’ chances of reaching the 1982 World Cup finals were thwarted by a Soviet Union defeat, where Oleg Blokhin, the 1975 Ballon d’Or winner, gave them the go-ahead.

After the game, a reporter informed Jones that Blokhin’s father was a skilled sprinter and his mother was a noted champion pentathlete.

Jones responded, “Oh no, no no,” quickly. What chance did I have of finding my father, who is a hospital porter and my mother a cleaner?

The first Welshman to receive a medal for winning the European Cup, his place in his country’s football history is assured.