Joe Jones (footballer)

Jones, who was born in Rhosymedre, Wales, was one of a select band of footballers who appeared for a club before, during and after the First World War.[1] Jones spent ten years with Stoke making almost 130 senior appearances and 133 during the war. Described as a solid uncompromising, yet bustling-type of a defender with a fantastic heading ability who had a great enthusiasm for the game.[1] He became captain for both club and country, and helped Stoke to re-gain their Football League status in 1914–15 and also finish runners-up of the Lancashire Football section in 1917–18 and 1918–19 before leaving to join Crystal Palace.[1] At Palace he helped the club become champions of the Third Division, in its inaugural season in 1920–21, making 25 appearances and scoring four goals.[2] After a further 36 appearances ( two goals) the next season,[2] he moved on to Coventry City in July 1922[3] and subsequently to Crewe Alexandra.[1]

After heading a ball Jones lost his sight in one eye causing him to retire.[1] He later ran a snooker hall and a bookshop for the blind before his death in 1941.[1]