Joey Jones: Liverpool Legend and Welsh Full-Back Reflects on a Century of Appearances
A pivotal figure in Liverpool’s golden era, Joey Jones cemented his place in club folklore with 100 appearances during the latter half of the 1970s, contributing to a remarkable period of success that included triumphs in the League, European Cup, and UEFA Cup.
The tenacious left-back arrived at Anfield in the summer of 1975, a 20-year-old signing from Wrexham secured by manager Bob Paisley. He initially featured in 14 matches across all competitions during his first season with the Reds. Despite a promising start, Jones narrowly missed out on a league winner’s medal, falling just one appearance short of the qualification criteria at the time, with 13 top-flight games under his belt. He was, however, a member of the squad that secured the UEFA Cup after defeating Club Brugge, taking a place on the bench for both legs of the final.
From Near Miss to First-Team Regular
Any initial disappointment quickly dissipated in the subsequent campaign as Jones firmly established himself as a key component of Paisley’s side. He amassed an impressive 59 appearances, becoming a mainstay in the Liverpool defense. This period marked the beginning of sustained success for the club, as they successfully defended their championship title – with Jones participating in 39 of 42 fixtures – and simultaneously etched their names in history as the first Liverpool team to win the European Cup.
Jones played a vital role throughout the entire European campaign, culminating in a starting position in the final held in Rome. There, Liverpool overcame Borussia Monchengladbach with a decisive 3-1 victory, claiming the coveted “Old Big Ears” trophy. His contributions to the journey, which included eliminating Saint-Étienne and FC Zurich, were playfully celebrated by the club’s passionate supporters.
A Banner That Became Legend
The impact of Jones’ performances resonated deeply with the Liverpool faithful, immortalized in a now-legendary banner that captured the spirit of the team’s European exploits. It read: “JOEY ATE THE FROGS LEGS,” “MADE THE SWISS ROLL, NOW HES MUNCHING GLADBACH.” This playful tribute, referencing victories over French and Swiss opposition, perfectly encapsulated the joy and confidence surrounding the team’s European dominance.
Jones’s career at Liverpool, though comprising a relatively modest number of appearances compared to some of his contemporaries, was defined by its quality and contribution to a period of unparalleled success for the club. His story serves as a testament to the impact a dedicated and skillful player can have on a team’s legacy.
