|
As a youngster, Mick Jones was an enthusiastic and regular
visitor to both Hillsborough and Bramall Lane, watching whichever
of the two Sheffield sides happened to be playing at home that
week. But it was with the Blades that he made his reputation on the
pitch, forming a successful striking partnership with Alan
Birchenall.
Mick Jones became the first 6-figure player signed by Leeds,
costing £100,000 in summer 1967 - but with his goalscoring
record for Sheffield United to back it up, the board agreed to part
with what was then a huge amount of money.
He was top scorer in the League as Leeds claimed their first
title in 1968, and when Allan Clarke came along to partner him the
following season, Leeds seemed to have found the perfect pairing.
Jones said: "Allan [Clarke] and I developed a tremendous
understanding... I took the knocks and he finished it all off."
Many people will remember the 1972 FA Cup Final, when he dislocated
his shoulder but insisted on being helped up the steps to receive
his winners medal in the Royal Box. Three England caps was a
criminally low total for such an accomplished striker, but that was
all he got.
After the title win in 1974, he tried to rest during the summer
to sort out a knee problem, but an op was required and his
rehabilitation involved serious physiotherapy and daily trips to St
James' Hospital. By February 1975 he had reached a plateau and the
medics gave him the go-ahead to resume light training. He played in
a friendly match and also turned out in a handful of reserve games,
but during the Central League match at Anfield, the end came. The
knee was giving him considerable pain no matter what he did, and it
was back to the doctors. This time there was to be no recovery, and
he was finally forced to throw in the towel at the start of the
1975-76 season at the tender age of 30. He went back to his native
Worksop to do the traditional footballer thing of running a
pub.
Neil Jeffries says: In a forthcoming interview for Leeds Leeds
Leeds magazine, Mick tells us he was signed for 99,999 - not
100,000. Does anybody remember any explanation for this at the
time? Mick didn't offer one!
Sam says: Mick is my twin sister's father in law. He has a son,
a daughter and two grandchildren.
Dag Running says: In the late sixties, English soccer games came
to Norway. TV had one channel and every Saturday there was an
English 1 div. game. I was seven, and became a huge Leeds fan. I
was dead fascinated by the style of Mick Jones; how he managed to
always look so cool and elegant through the toughest fights.
Tony Coleman says: Mick
is a friend....I have a number of Leeds postards signed by
Mick...... including centenary postcard showing Mick's medal on
front...plus one showing Mick with Fairs Cup. 5 each.
Paul says: Mick was my footballing hero as an eight year old and
even now, some thirty years later, I have never seen a more elegant
and accomplished centre forward. It is a crime that he does not
have dozens of England caps. If you ever read this Mick - thanks
for starting a lifetime's love of this fabulous game and wherever
you are, all the best.
Gerard Haan says: In the 60's Mick was in the youth team &
an appretice for Leeds. Came to Groningen in Holland & stayed
with us. I always wondered what happened to him . How can I contact
him ? Gerard Haan.
Andrew Edge says: Mick was from the old school of great players;
he was a powerhouse and a subtle player, all at the same time. His
combination with Sniffer was the start (and the end) of an era.
What would happen if Beckham had two great forwards like those to
accept his passes? When will managers learn that you need a steamer
and a yacht to guarntee a winning side? What power, and
majesty!
Sudhir says: I was just 12 when I started to follow Leeds in
1970 and the player I most admired was Mick Jones. A great player.
Any idea if he is still involved in football? Does he still live in
Leeds like many of the Leeds legends of that era. I still follow
Leeds and am a proud member of the Local Leeds United Supporters
Club in Singapore. If in Singapore come join us at Lot Stock &
Barrel.
Mick B - Sports Lover says: Yes, I saw Mick Jones play many
times for LUFC. Never in all the years of watching football have I
seen a player with the ability that Mick had to simply hold a ball,
more often than not with his back to the goal, until support from
team mates arrived, enabling defence to turn to attack. He was the
original, definitive 'target man'.He was always in the thick of the
action and although he took some 'real clog', I never once saw him
roll all over the pitch in agony nor retaliate. To add to this he
also scored some screaming individual goals. What an unsung hero,
today he would be priceless. Well done Mick and thanks for those
treasured moments in sport.
Floop says: I see Mick around Worksop from time to time.
Tex says: MICK JONES was integral to the SNIFFER legend, without
Mick the Sniffer would not have scored anywhere near the amount of
goals he did, even if he was one of the best strikers of all time.
Although Jonesy was quick he never seemed to be in a hurry - he
seemed to make time slow down the way he could hold a ball up until
help arrived! And let's not forget that he was one hell of a
striker himself! Pure elegant class! He was a genuine hero and I
hope he's well and enjoying life.
Jackomo says: In response to Neil Jeffries query as to why Mick
was signed for £99,999 and not £100,000, I don't know
the truth but I know that Trevor Francis signed to Forest for
£999,999 and not £1m in order to remove the pressure of
being the first £1m signing. I've seen this happen with other
big money signings. Could it be that Mick was signed for that
figure so he wouldn't bear the pressure of being LUFC's first
6-figure signing?
Ray Marsden says: I live just a few miles down the road from
Mick.Ive decorated his bungalow,and been to see him once or
twice.He is fit and well but he told me that the old knee injury
that finished his career still gives him a bit of trouble.I am
eight years younger than Mick and attended the same school the
Worksop Priory.I watched him play many times for Leeds ,he indeed
was a fantastic player and a nicer bloke you will not find.
Rob Mathieson says: I lived in the same street as Mick - Carr
Manor Road, Leeds 17. He lived at number 100. I'll never forget as
a 9 year old, the Saturday after the 72 Cup Final. I called at his
house with my mate Phillip, and his wife said that he was resting.
A voice then called out of the living room, "It's OK love, they can
come in!" What an excitment! Mick was in his armchair, watching
Grandstand, his poor, brave arm in a sling. We were tongue tied, in
the presence of an actual hero. A week before I had been in tears
of joy for the victory, and such pride in the bravery of this man
as he made his agonising way up to the Royal Box to receive his
message from the Queen. I don't remember much of the conversation
but it doesn't matter. He showed us his medal and gave us his
autograph, and minutes later, two little lads were bombing it back
up Carr Manor Road to tell everyone of our dream visit. Well done
Mick, I'm still proud of you. Shame today's game doesn't contain
such sporting gentlemen anymore. Good luck to you mate!
Dennis M Sutcliffe says: In 1968 my family moved to Leeds and i
am so glad i had the oppertunity to see Super Leeds.Don Revies team
were so ahead of their time and so very entertaining. I would just
love to roll back the clock.
Gary O'Hagan says: It is my best friends (Derrick) 40th in
August. He is Leeds United daft! When we were very young we had a
football team on our estate and we all wore the Leeds 1972 football
kit. Remember those sock tassles? Well, Derrick was always Mick
Jones. I was wondering, does anyone know how i could get a signed
photo of Mick with the words "happy 40th Derrick" on it? Iam
willing to pay or donate to a charity for this.
Paul Beahan says: Great site!Please could someone settle an
arguement,was Mick Jones the first #100,000 transfer in Britain
between two British clubs when Leeds signed him?
|
