The Liverpool family is grieving today as Joey Jones passes on
The Liverpool family is grieving today. Joey Jones, one of the club’s most spirited players and a cult hero to so many, has passed away at the age of 70.
He wasn’t the loudest. He wasn’t the flashiest. But when Joey Jones pulled on that red shirt, he gave everything.
Signed by Bob Paisley in 1975, Joey arrived at Anfield from Wrexham as a 20-year-old full of raw determination. He wasn’t just chasing a dream — he was ready to fight for it. And fight he did. Hard in the tackle, fearless in spirit, and always ready to go the distance for the badge.
In his debut season, he made 14 appearances. He just missed out on a league medal by a single game — a heartbreak that would have crushed many. But Joey took it in stride. He was there on the bench for the UEFA Cup final win over Club Brugge. He was learning. Growing. Getting ready for something bigger.
That “something bigger” came fast.
The very next season, Joey made the left-back spot his own, clocking an incredible 59 appearances. It turned out to be one of the most unforgettable years in Liverpool’s history. The team defended their league title. And for the first time ever, they lifted the European Cup.
And Joey? He wasn’t just part of the journey. He was on the pitch in Rome, starting in the final as Liverpool beat Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1.
For fans, Joey was more than a player. He was one of them — proud, passionate, and utterly devoted. They loved him so much, they made him the face of one of the most iconic banners ever seen:
“JOEY ATE THE FROGS’ LEGS, MADE THE SWISS ROLL, NOW HE’S MUNCHING GLADBACH.”
It was cheeky. It was brilliant. And it said everything about how the Kop felt about him.
Joey gave his all that season. And though a heartbreaking FA Cup loss to Manchester United denied the team a treble, his place in Liverpool folklore was already sealed.
By early 1978, he had made 100 appearances and scored three goals for the Reds. But football can be cruel sometimes. After losing his starting spot, Joey made the tough decision to leave. He returned to Wrexham with his head held high.
His career didn’t stop there. He went on to play for Chelsea and Huddersfield Town before wrapping up his playing days with one final spell at Wrexham — the club where it all began.
And beyond club football, Joey represented Wales over 70 times, wearing the national shirt with the same pride he showed at Anfield.
Ask anyone who watched Joey play, and they’ll tell you — he wasn’t just a defender. He was a warrior. He played with heart, with honesty, and with a fire that fans never forget.
Today, Liverpool doesn’t just mourn a former player. We mourn a part of our story.
Joey Jones made 100 appearances for the club. But the memories, the love, the legacy? That’s immeasurable.
To his family, friends, and everyone lucky enough to know him — we send all our love.
Rest easy, Joey. You were one of the good ones.
You’ll Never Walk Alone.
