**Wales and Liverpool Legend Joey Jones Remembered for a Career of Silverware, Scandal and Spectacle**
Joey Jones, the former Liverpool and Wales stalwart, has died at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his on-field achievements. While Jones was celebrated for his footballing prowess, particularly during a glittering spell at Anfield which delivered five trophies in just three years, it is perhaps his colourful exploits off the pitch that have made him a cult hero among fans.
Born in North Wales, Jones achieved a boyhood dream when he secured a transfer to Liverpool from Wrexham in 1975. Arriving with the iconic Liverbird already tattooed on his arm, Jones quickly earned a place in the hearts of supporters. His tenacity on the field was matched by a larger-than-life personality, both of which have contributed to his enduring mythos among those who follow the Reds and Welsh football.
Jones’ career at Liverpool was prolific yet brief, seeing him collect the league title and two European Cups under Bob Paisley. Despite his on-field successes, Jones became just as well known for a series of wild and, at times, chaotic incidents. These stories, recounted by Jones himself in interviews over the years, offer a glimpse into a footballer unafraid to wear his passions – and sometimes his fists – on his sleeve.
One notorious episode involved a bizarre and accidental altercation with Liverpool’s legendary manager, Bob Paisley. In 1978, Jones found himself sidelined after the emergence of defender Alan Hansen and a resurgent Tommy Smith. Following a difficult FA Cup tie at Chelsea, Jones was substituted – an event that led to a mishap in the dugout. Struggling with his substitute’s tracksuit, Jones inadvertently struck Paisley in the face. He later explained, “It was a complete accident, but I never played for Liverpool again after that.” While he was quick to dispel any malicious intent, Jones was equally adamant that the incident did not influence his departure from the club, even as he acknowledged the timing was conspicuous.
This wasn’t the only time Jones found himself embroiled in controversy. His reputation for fiery confrontations extended to the training ground. In one infamous incident, a sparring session with team-mate Ray Kennedy turned physical after a misplaced step. Jones struck Kennedy twice out of fear he would be attacked first, prompting a brawl that required immediate intervention from coaches. The episode escalated, with Jones even issuing a tongue-in-cheek threat to “stab” Kennedy with a blunt dinner knife – a statement he was quick to retract, and one which he later admitted was fuelled by adrenaline rather than intent. Fortunately, the pair reconciled and became friends, underlining the combative but ultimately loyal environment that Liverpool’s dressing room fostered.
Jones’ volatility was not contained to English soil. During a visit to Barcelona for the 1976 UEFA Cup semi-final, Jones, then an unused substitute, retaliated against a barrage of objects thrown by the home supporters by launching chairs back into the crowd. “I started getting nicked by gobstoppers and other missiles,” he recalled. The Liverpool bench, then little more than a line of exposed seats, was directly in the firing line. Concerned about the situation escalating further, Bob Paisley was forced to shepherd Jones away before matters got out of hand.
Yet it wasn’t all fire and fury. Jones maintained a unique relationship with the fans, best exemplified by his willingness to interact with those on the terraces. On more than one occasion, he was known to dance for the crowd when prompted, a testament to his status as “one of them” – simply a supporter lucky enough to live his dream on the pitch. Jones always emphasised that his playful spontaneity never came at the expense of the team.
Across his career, Jones earned 72 caps for Wales and made nearly 500 appearances for Wrexham, bookending his Anfield adventure. His playing style – defined by relentless energy, a no-nonsense approach and an unmistakable clenched fist goal celebration – captured the spirit of a footballing era rooted in both camaraderie and conflict.
Although fondly remembered for his antics, Jones’ legacy is far from that of a mere brawler. He serves as a reminder that football, with all its pressures and passions, is as much about character as it is about silverware. His honesty, humour and undeniable love for the game earned him lifelong respect from supporters old and new.
As tributes pour in from both Merseyside and Wales, it is clear that Joey Jones will be commemorated not only for the trophies he won, but for the indelible mark he left on the hearts, and memories, of so many across British football.