Ex-Liverpool defender Joey Jones dies at 70; Tributes pour in for European Cup hero
London: Former Liverpool and Wales defender Joey Jones, renowned for his role in two of the club's European Cup victories, has died at the age of 70, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Jones, known for his tenacious style of play, featured in 100 matches for Liverpool during a three-year stint from 1975 to 1978. His time at the club was marked by immense success, with the team lifting the UEFA Cup, a league title, and two European Cups during his tenure.
The tough-tackling left-back also earned 72 caps for Wales.
He was immortalised in a banner revealed by Liverpool fans at the 1977 European Cup final victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, which said: "Joey ate the frogs' legs, made the Swiss roll, now he's munching Gladbach".
It was a reference to wins over French club Saint Etienne and Zurich in the quarter and semi-finals.
"Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of Joey Jones. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Joey's family and friends at this sad time," the club said in a statement.
Jones started and ended his career at Wrexham and also had spells at Anfield, Chelsea and Huddersfield.
His former Wales team-mate Mickey Thomas posted on X: "This morning I lost my best friend and soul mate, 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."
Former Liverpool star John Aldridge also paid tribute, writing: "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."
AFP