As Wrexham AFC settle into their first season back in the football league after a 15 year absence, I would like to pay tribute to Wrexham living legend, Mr Joey Jones. Born in Llandudno, Joey had three spells at the club, the early 70’s, late 70’s, and then again to finish his career in the late 80’s, playing well over 350 games.
In between was a big money move to Bob Paisley’s Liverpool, where Joey won a league title and a famous European Cup medal in 1977, as well as spells with Chelsea and Huddersfield Town.
Known as a tough-tackling, uncompromising full back, Joey is always modest about his footballing abilities. However, it’s clear that you cannot be capped 72 times for your country, and win so many medals, without a phenomenal amount of talent to accompany the passion!
After it was time to hang up the boots on an illustrious career, Joey went on to coach Wrexham’s youth teams for years, nurturing several stars in the process.
Personally however I believe it’s Joey’s kindness and personality that makes him such a living legend, and someone who embodies the spirit of Wrexham. I will never forget his kindness to me as a young boy, sharing football tops and memorabilia that I still have today.
A friend of the practice, and former Wrexham footballer Waynne Phillips has often told me that without Joey’s encouragement and generosity during his early years at the club, he may never have persevered to make a career in the game. Several others have echoed this sentiment towards the great man.
Wrexham’s current fairytale Hollywood story is of course bringing much needed positivity to the club and the town. Rob and Ryan can do no wrong, and deserve all the adulation they are receiving. Anyone who’s watched the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ series can see that their heart and souls are invested in the club.
There is however only one ‘Mr Wrexham’, and I think it would be a fitting gesture if the club were to recognise this. How about a statue next to the Mold Road stand?
