Oh Joey, Joey!

August 21st, 2025

As a Wrexham supporter, certain names resonate through the decades, echoing in the stands of the Racecourse Ground and weaving themselves into the very fabric of our club. Joey Jones was one such name—a legend, a gentleman, and truly, Mr. Wrexham. His recent passing has left a void, but his legacy is etched into the soul of this club and this town forever.

A Fitting Farewell for a Legend

On a somber Wednesday in August, nearly 2,000 people gathered at the Racecourse Ground—not for a match, but to celebrate the life of one of our greatest. The stands, usually roaring with chants, were hushed and reverent, filled with a community united in grief and love. Joey’s coffin was carried into the stadium by former teammates, including Ian Rush, as the haunting melody of "You’ll Never Walk Alone" swept across the pitch 4. It was a send-off befitting a man who gave so much to this club. The Fron Male Voice Choir, struggling to hold back tears, captured the emotion of the day: "It was a true honour to be part of today’s service... Joey Jones – you will be missed. Cysga’n dawel" 3.

The Making of Mr. Wrexham

Joey’s connection to Wrexham was deep and enduring. He made over 370 league appearances for the Reds across three spells, a record that stood as the club’s transfer record until 2022 4. But numbers alone don’t define his impact. Joey was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve—a hard-tackling, no-nonsense defender who embodied the passion and resilience of our town.

His career took him to the heights of football—Liverpool, Chelsea, and Huddersfield Town—where he won two European Cups, league titles, and earned 72 caps for Wales 4. Yet, despite his successes on grander stages, Joey always returned to his roots. As lifelong supporter Tony Williams noted, "He meant everything. He came back here twice. He had three spells at Wrexham... he always came back to his roots" 4.

The Man Behind the Boots

To those who knew him, Joey was more than a footballer—he was a friend, a joker, and a man of unwavering humility. His lifelong friendship with Mickey Thomas began in their schoolboy days. Mickey recalled their first meeting: "We were both picked for North Wales Schoolboys under 15s... Mickey sat next to me. He had his school uniform on and I remember looking at his tie... We hit it off straight away and been best mates ever since" 7.

Their bond was filled with laughter and camaraderie. Mickey shared stories of their time together at Chelsea, where Joey’s down-to-earth nature never wavered. Despite rubbing shoulders with fame, Joey preferred "taking the dogs for a walk and watching a game on the old Brickie than going to a top-flight match" 7. He was the king of one-liners, even in tough times. During Mickey’s cancer treatment, Joey joked, "What size shoes are you Mickey? I’d say seven and he said not to worry as I wouldn’t be wearing them again!" 7.

A Legacy Etched in Memory

Joey’s impact extended far beyond the pitch. He was a pillar of the community, a man who "wasn’t just a footballer, he was a friend to the Wrexham community" 4. Fans from Australia to South Wales shared tributes. Gill Griffin, a long-time supporter in Australia, wore Joey on her shirt during the book day parade as a fitting tribute 2. Mike Roberts recalled Joey’s kindness: "You looked after a young Aussie player when he came over a few years ago. You were and still are an absolute legend" 2.

The club has announced plans to commission a statue in Joey’s honor outside the new Kop Stand 4. It’s a testament to his enduring legacy—a legacy that will inspire future generations of Wrexham supporters.

The Final Whistle

In one of the club’s greatest moments—the 1992 FA Cup victory over Arsenal—Mickey Thomas scored a stunning free-kick, and there was only one person he wanted to celebrate with: Joey. "We’d roomed together in Rossett Hall the night before and had a couple of Guinnesses. We just talked football as we always did and had a laugh," Mickey recalled 7. That image—two friends, united by love for the game and for each other—captures the essence of Joey Jones.

He was a man who defined loyalty, humility, and passion. As the song rings out from the Kop, "Oh Joey, Joey!" we know that his spirit will never leave this ground. He was, and always will be, Mr. Wrexham.

Cysga'n dawel, Joey. You’ll never walk alone.