Joey Jones, a left-back who earned 72 caps for Wales, had three stints with Wrexham, along with playing for Liverpool, Chelsea, and Huddersfield Town has passed away at the age of 70.
Joey experienced a remarkable three years at Liverpool, where he won a First Division title, two European Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a European Super Cup.
His role in Liverpool’s victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in Rome in 1977 made him the first Welshman to lift the European Cup, inspiring fans to create a 24-foot banner that read: “Joey ate the frogs legs, made the Swiss roll, now he’s munching Gladbach.”
Jones won the Welsh Cup during his first spell with Wrexham and contributed to Chelsea’s Second Division title win in the 1983-84 season.
He ranks joint-15th with Mark Hughes on the list of most capped male players for Wales.
Born in Llandudno, Jones became Wrexham’s record signing upon his return to the club in 1978, a record he held until Ollie Palmer joined Wrexham in 2022.
He retired from football in 1992 at the age of 37.
Wrexham released a statement expressing their sorrow over the loss of club legend Joey Jones, who passed away early this morning at 70 after battling illness.
The Championship club plans to honor Jones by commissioning a statue to be placed in the public plaza outside the Stok Cae Ras’ Kop Stand.
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Mickey Thomas, a close friend and former teammate at Wales, Wrexham, and Chelsea, paid tribute on X, saying that “this morning I lost my best friend and soulmate, Sir Joey.
“Our memories will never fade. Today, my heart is broken. Love you, Sir Joey. RIP. My condolences to Janice and the family.”
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge commented: “More sad news, folks. Joey Jones passed away last night. What a lovely man and an inspirational full-back who gave his heart and soul in a red shirt and for all the clubs he played for!
“Our thoughts are with Joey’s family. I’m fortunate to have met him many times. YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone). RIP, top man.”
Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), stated that “everyone in Welsh football was saddened to hear of Joey Jones’ passing – a legend for @Wrexham_AFC and @Cymru. Loved by many. Cwsg mewn hedd (rest in peace), Joey.”
An official FAW statement added, “the thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with the family and friends of @Cymru legend Joey Jones following today’s incredibly sad news.”
