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Joey JonesA former Welsh footballer who played as a left back.
Date of Birth: 04.03.1955
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Joey Jones: A Legendary Welsh Defender
- Signing with Liverpool
- Triumph with Liverpool
- Second Stint at Wrexham
- Move to Chelsea
- Helping Chelsea Rise Through the Ranks
- Later Career and Retirement
- Legacy
Joey Jones: A Legendary Welsh Defender
Early Career at WrexhamJoey Jones began his professional football career at Wrexham in 1971, starting out with humble tasks like maintaining the pitch and cleaning boots. At the age of 17, he made his debut in a Welsh Cup match against fierce rivals Chester City, which his team unfortunately lost 0-1. However, Jones' talent shone brightly, and in 1975, Wrexham won the Welsh Cup with Jones as a regular right-back, having reached the FA Cup quarter-finals the previous year for the first time in the club's history.
Signing with Liverpool
In July 1975, Jones' childhood dream came true when he was signed by Liverpool for £110,000. He made his debut on August 16 of the same year against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. The majority of his first season was spent in the reserves, resulting in him missing out on a league championship medal. However, in November 1975, he received his first cap for the Welsh national team, making 72 appearances and scoring three goals over the course of his international career.
Triumph with Liverpool
After a slow start at Liverpool, Jones' abilities finally came to the forefront in 1977. He was part of the team that came agonizingly close to achieving an English football treble, winning the First Division title and reaching the finals of both the FA Cup and the European Cup. Although Liverpool lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the FA Cup final, they claimed their first European Cup three days later, defeating Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1. Throughout the European Cup campaign, Jones became a fan favorite with a banner dedicated to him, which gained more lines with each passing round: "Joey Ate The Frogs Legs, / Made The Swiss Roll, / Now He's Munching Gladbach."
Second Stint at Wrexham
Despite his early success at Liverpool, Jones faced competition from the likes of Tommy Smith and Alan Hansen. By the summer of 1978, he was deemed surplus to requirements and was sold back to Wrexham for £210,000, which remained a record fee for a Welsh club until 2006.
Move to Chelsea
In 1982, Jones moved to Chelsea for £34,000 under the management of his former Wrexham boss, John Neal. His debut against Carlisle United was less than auspicious, with him being booed off the pitch and subsequently sent off. However, Jones quickly earned the respect and affection of the fans with his tireless work ethic and commitment. He was voted Chelsea's Player of the Year at the end of that season, in which the club narrowly avoided relegation to the Third Division.
Helping Chelsea Rise Through the Ranks
Under Neal's leadership, Chelsea underwent a "revolution" in the summer of 1983, with players such as David Speedie, Kerry Dixon, and Pat Nevin joining the club. Jones was part of the team that won the Second Division title in 1983-84, earning promotion back to the First Division. He stayed at Chelsea for another year before being unexpectedly sold to Huddersfield Town in the summer of 1985 for £35,000, having played 91 times and scored two goals for the Blues.
Later Career and Retirement
Jones retired from professional football at the age of 37. After undergoing heart surgery in 2002, he reduced his involvement with Wrexham, where he had been coaching the youth and reserve teams. In 2001, he briefly served as caretaker manager between the departures of Brian Flynn and the arrival of Denis Smith.
Legacy
Joey Jones remains a cult hero for fans of Wrexham, Chelsea, and Liverpool. In a 2006 poll of over 110,000 Liverpool fans worldwide, he was voted 63rd in the "100 Players Who Shook The Kop."
