Liverpool, Chelsea Legend Joey Jones Dies

Legendary Welsh defender, Joey Jones, who made history with Liverpool and Wrexham, has died at the age of 70.

Joey Jones, a Llandudno-born left-back, who earned 72 caps for Wales, passed away earlier today, July 22.

Jones carved out a remarkable career that spanned over two decades. He was known for his tenacity, charisma, and unwavering passion on the pitch.

He enjoyed his most decorated spell at Liverpool between 1975 and 1978, lifting two European Cups, a UEFA Cup, a European Super Cup, and a First Division title.

His contribution to the club’s 3-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1977 European Cup final in Rome cemented his place in the history books as the first Welshman to win the trophy.

That moment inspired one of Anfield’s most memorable fan banners: “Joey ate the frog’s legs, made the Swiss roll, now he’s munching Gladbach.”

Jones had three separate spells with Wrexham, where he first lifted the Welsh Cup and later returned as the club’s record signing in 1978, a record he held until Ollie Palmer arrived in 2022.

He also played for Chelsea, where he helped the club clinch the Second Division title in the 1983-1984 season, and Huddersfield Town before hanging up his boots in 1992 at the age of 37.

Wrexham AFC, where Jones is regarded as a true club legend, said it was “devastated” by the news and revealed plans to immortalise him with a statue outside the new Kop Stand at the Stok Cae Ras.

A statement from Liverpool reads: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of Joey Jones, aged 70.

“A league, European Cup and UEFA Cup winner with the Reds, the Welshman made exactly 100 appearances for the club during the second half of the 1970s.

“The tough-tackling left-back was signed from Wrexham by Bob Paisley as a 20-year-old during the summer of 1975 and featured on 14 occasions in all competitions during his debut season…”

Chelsea wrote: “It is with great sadness that Chelsea Football Club has learned of the passing of our former player, Joey Jones, at the age of 70.

“All at Chelsea send our deepest condolences to Joey’s family and friends.”

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