Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to former Wrexham defender Joey Jones following his death at the age of 70.
Llandudno-born left-back Jones made 479 appearances for the Red Dragons across three spells with the club.
Such was his affinity with the club and the area, Jones was affectionately known as ‘Mr Wrexham’ by all those associated with the team.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Hollywood A-lister Reynolds posted a picture of himself and fellow co-owner Rob McElhenney alongside Jones to send a touching message.
‘I’m really glad I got to spend time with you,’ wrote Reynolds, who completed his takeover of the club with McElhenney in 2021.
‘Thanks for the stories. Condolences to his family, friends and Mickey (Thomas, Jones’ close friend and former Wrexham team-mate). Rest up, Joey. Big second half coming up.’
In the aftermath of Jones’s death, Wrexham announced on Tuesday that a statue honouring their legendary player has been commissioned and will be erected outside the Racecourse Ground.
Jones, who was capped 72 times by Wales, began his career with Wrexham in 1973 before moving to Liverpool, where he won two European Cups and a league title, two years later.
He returned to play at the Racecourse Ground between 1978 and 1982 and then ended his career with the club – from 1987 to 1992 – following stints with Chelsea and Huddersfield.
Jones joined Wrexham as a teenager in 1971 and in his first spell he was part of the side who won the Welsh Cup in 1975.
On Tuesday, Wrexham said that they were ‘devastated’ after learning of the passing of a club legend in a statement. The Championship side also revealed plans to commemorate Jones’ Wrexham legacy, which include the commissioning of a statue to be placed in the public plaza outside the new Kop Stand.
A former Wrexham stadium announcer said: ‘The word devastated doesn’t even get close today. Joey Jones was the very foundation this club was built on. A true gentleman, who despite moving to clubs away never left Wrexham. True legend. My thoughts are with Janice & the family. RIP Joey.’
Tributes poured in from those associated with the Anfield club, too.
Liverpool legend John Aldridge wrote on X: ‘More sad news folks Joey Jones passed away last night.
‘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 YNWA RIP top man.’
Jamie Carragher also said: ‘RIP Joey Jones.’
In a statement on Tuesday, the Anfield club expressed their ‘deep sadness’ at the passing of their former star and icon.
‘The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Joey’s family and friends at this sad time,’ concluded a heartwarming tribute to Jones on the club’s website.
After his tropy-laden spell at Anfield, he returned to Wrexham as their record signing for £200,000 in 1978 and spent another four years with them before going to Chelsea.
In his first season he helped the Blues survive relegation from the Second Division, and in his second he was instrumental as they stormed to the title to reach the top flight.
After three years at Chelsea, he joined Huddersfield in 1985 and was their player of the season in his debut year.
After two seasons in Yorkshire, he returned to his spiritual home of Wrexham and took his total number of appearances for them to 479, as per Wrexham AFC Archive.
