As tributes pour in across the United Kingdom, one name is central to every conversation about football’s enduring spirit: Joey Jones. The former Wales, Liverpool, Chelsea and Wrexham defender, who passed away in July 2025 at age 70, leaves a lasting legacy. His impact on club and country is measured not just in titles, but in memories, banners, and heartfelt tributes from teammates and fans alike.
A Journey Begins in North Wales
Joey Jones was born in Llandudno, North Wales, in 1955. From modest beginnings, his love for football took him to Wrexham’s youth ranks. A determined and tough-tackling left-back, Jones made his senior debut for Wrexham in a Welsh Cup match against Chester at just 17. He helped Wrexham to their first FA Cup quarter-final, impressing both fans and scouts with his enthusiasm and energy.
The Welsh Cup win in 1975 over Cardiff City marked his growing importance at the club. Jones’ performances attracted attention from top English sides, setting the stage for a life-changing move.
Anfield Awaits: Liverpool’s European Nights
In summer 1975, Liverpool manager Bob Paisley signed Joey Jones for £110,000, a record for a Welsh defender at that time. Jones grew up as a Liverpool supporter, and the move was a dream come true. He made his debut against Queens Park Rangers and quickly became a favourite among the Anfield faithful for his wholehearted defending and straightforward approach.
Jones played 100 matches for Liverpool, scoring three goals and missing out on a league winners medal by the narrowest of margins in his first season. The 1976–77 campaign was his and Liverpool’s most celebrated. Jones became the first Welshman to lift the European Cup after Liverpool’s famous win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in Rome. That final is forever linked to him, thanks to the iconic banner: “Joey Ate The Frogs Legs, Made The Swiss Roll, Now He’s Munching Gladbach”.
He added another European Cup in 1978 and collected honours that include the First Division title, the UEFA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. These successes underlined not just his defensive qualities but also his place in Liverpool folklore.
Returning Home: Loyalty to Wrexham
After three years at Liverpool, Jones returned home to Wrexham in 1978 as the club’s record signing. His time at the Racecourse Ground spanned several spells—he also finished his playing career with the club, returning again in 1987 and remaining until 1992. For Wrexham, Joey Jones was more than a player; he became a cult hero, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve and giving his all on the pitch.
Between stints at Wrexham, he played for Chelsea, helping them to the Second Division title in the 1983–84 season, and for Huddersfield Town, where he continued to demonstrate the same commitment.
Wales’ Loyal Servant
On the international stage, Joey Jones won 72 caps for Wales between 1975 and 1986, a remarkable achievement during an era when the national team struggled for major tournament qualification. He scored one international goal and was held in high regard by a succession of Wales managers for his professionalism. Jones remains tied for 15th on the all-time appearance list for Wales, sharing that spot with fellow legend Mark Hughes.
Character, Banners and Cult Status
Fans, teammates, and coaches recall Jones for more than his tackles and clearances. His natural enthusiasm and loyalty to every club he represented set him apart. The unforgettable Rome ’77 banner stands as a living symbol of the devotion he inspired, not just on Merseyside but in Wales and at every stop in his career.
Colleagues credit Jones’s humour and openness off the pitch as much as his reliability on it. After retiring, he became renowned for supporting club staff and media alike, offering encouragement, wit, and candid advice during difficult times.
Coaching, Mentorship, and Community Work
Joey Jones did not step away from football after hanging up his boots. He stayed involved at Wrexham, working as a coach and mentor for the next generation, displaying the same passion he showed as a player. Community members recall his charitable work, approachability, and his pride in North Wales.
Tributes and Reflections
Following his passing in July 2025, players and fans voiced their admiration. Former teammate Mickey Thomas described Jones as a friend and soulmate, expressing sorrow and gratitude for cherished memories. Liverpool and Wrexham fans alike spoke of the unbreakable connection they felt with a man who embodied their clubs’ values.
Colleagues at Liverpool called him a “cult figure” on the Kop, celebrating a player whose uncompromising style made him a favourite on and off the field. Football figures throughout the UK and beyond recognised how he set the standard for loyalty, resilience, and joy in the sport.
Joey Jones in Context: A Welsh Football Legacy
Joey Jones’s career mirrors the best traditions of British football: rooted in community, defined by dedication, and animated by an infectious love for the game. He achieved rare success but never lost touch with supporters. His historic European triumph with Liverpool ensured he would always be remembered as a pioneer for Welsh footballers on the international stage.
The banner that accompanied him to Rome, the medals gathered at Liverpool, and the unwavering devotion to Wrexham are all testament to a life lived passionately in football’s service.
Conclusion
As the UK football community reflects on Joey Jones’s journey, his legacy stands as a beacon for both past and future generations. He proved you do not need to be the most gifted player to become legendary—you need commitment, heart, and a sense of humour. Whether winning European honours, mentoring young players, or offering a word of kindness, Jones’s impact endures. The stadiums he graced and the fans he inspired will remember him as one of the game’s truest sons.
To read more click here
