Joey Jones, the former Wales, Liverpool, and Wrexham defender – and a legendary figure in terms of Welsh fan culture - has died at the age of 70, following a battle with illness.
The Llandudno-born left-back was capped 72 times by his country between 1975 and 1982, making him joint-15th on the all-time list of Welsh men’s internationals, alongside Mark Hughes.
A tenacious player, his relatable and likeable character made him a beloved figure across British football.
Jones enjoyed a decorated playing career, spanning spells with Wrexham, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Huddersfield Town.
"Wrexham AFC are devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Joey Jones, who sadly died in the early hours of this morning aged 70 after a battle with illness," the club said in a statement.
Jones began his professional journey with Wrexham in 1971 and had three separate stints with the club, amassing 479 appearances in total — a testament to the deep connection he maintained with the Stok Cae Ras faithful throughout his life.
His time with Liverpool from 1975 to 1978 marked the peak of his club achievements.
He became the first Welshman to lift the European Cup when the Reds triumphed over Borussia Mönchengladbach in Rome in 1977.
That legendary run included victories over Saint-Étienne and Zurich, celebrated by a now-iconic banner unfurled by fans in the Stadio Olimpico:
"Joey ate the frogs legs, made the Swiss roll, now he’s munching Gladbach."
"I guarantee the Germans would have known every player in our team apart from me – just one of the lads who has come off the Kop," Jones once said.
"I guess that’s why the fans identified with me because I’d give it my all and I was one of them.
“I never considered myself to be skilful but I was the type of player I think any team needs. I think as much of that banner as I do the winners’ medal."
His time at Anfield also saw him lift the First Division title, the UEFA Cup, and the European Super Cup, with his fist-pumping entrance onto the pitch becoming a trademark gesture to the Kop.
Though his passionate style occasionally landed him in hot water — such as when he threw seat cushions back into the crowd after being targeted during a semi-final in Barcelona — it was that very fire that endeared him to fans.
After returning to Wrexham in 1978 as the club’s record signing, he continued to be a key figure before moving to Chelsea.
At Stamford Bridge, he was pivotal in helping the Blues avoid relegation and later played a starring role in their 1983-84 Second Division title campaign.
He then joined Huddersfield Town, where he was named Player of the Season in 1985-86, before returning to Wrexham one last time.
"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 a lucky man to have met him many times. YNWA RIP top man," said former Liverpool striker John Aldridge.
"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 are with Janice and all the family," wrote former Wales and Wrexham team-mate Mickey Thomas.
The Football Association of Wales also paid tribute, with chief executive Noel Mooney stating:
"Everyone in Welsh football was sorry to hear of the passing of Joey Jones – @Wrexham_AFC @Cymru legend. Loved by many. Cwsg mewn hedd (rest in peace) Joey."
Wrexham, now in the Championship, announced plans to honour his legacy permanently with a statue outside the Kop Stand at the Stok Cae Ras.
"Joey Jones was a figure who transcended club rivalry," one supporter wrote on social media. "As an Everton fan living in Wrexham, you cannot underestimate the esteem this man was held in. A proper Wrexham legend. Fly high Joey and RIP."
Born with football in his blood — his mother was from Toxteth and his grandmother a Scouser — Jones grew up idolising Liverpool from the Kop terraces before becoming one of the few fans who lived their dream.
"I never really felt I belonged in the same dressing room as Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, or Ian Callaghan," he once reflected.
But to countless fans across Wales and Merseyside, he was every bit the hero.
"RIP Joey Jones," added Jamie Carragher — a simple tribute to a man who needed no embellishment.
