Latest news with #SwissRoll
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Joey Jones remembered as "incredible human being" in emotional service for Wrexham legend
A memorial service to honour the life of former Wrexham, Liverpool and Chelsea star Joey Jones was attended by more than 2000 fans and a number of fellow footballing legends Football legend Joey Jones was remembered as an 'incredible human being' at an emotional memorial service today. Sir Kenny Dalglish led a huge number of former Liverpool, Chelsea, Wrexham and Huddersfield Town players to attend. Jones' close friends and former Wales and Chelsea team-mates Mickey Thomas and Eddie Niedzwiecki both broke down in tears as they paid their own personal tributes. It was an extraordinary day here in Wrexham as 2000 fans listened to speakers recall their memories of the 'legend' Jones died aged 70 last month. His coffin was carried out of the stadium by ex team-mates including Ian Rush, Kevin Ratcliffe and Niedzwecki to the sound of Gerry and the Pacemakers 'You'll never Walk Alone.' Some fans were crying as they said goodbye to their hero. The defender was immortalised when Liverpool supporters memorably unfurled a banner at the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Monchengladbach having already beaten Saint Etienne and FC Zurich. It famously read: "Joey Ate The Frogs Legs, Made The Swiss Roll, Now He's Munching Gladbach." The original banner was fixed to seats behind one of the goals. Among the other Liverpool players to attend were Ian Callaghan, Howard Gayle and David Fairclough. Chelsea were represented by Mark Hughes, Thomas, Niedzwiecki, Colin Lee and Gary Chivers. Wrexham legend Arfon Griffiths led a huge contingent of former home town players Niedzwiecki sald: 'they don't make them like our Joey Joey would help anyone He was a cult hero for Chelsea.' He recalled a match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield when Jones was sub for the Blues and both sets of fans chanted his name as he was so revered. Thomas drew sustained spontaneous applause when he called for a statue of Jones to be erected in Wrexham and called Jones who he had known since he was 14 as 'an incredible human being.' Liverpool.s club chaplain. Bill Bygroves recalled how Jones was a childhood Liverpool supporter and had 'Liver Bird tattoo' on his arm. He said the club and its owners sent 'heartfelt condolences" and said Jones was a 'good and humble man' and would live forever in the hearts of Liverpool fans. He said the date Jones was signed for Liverpool for just £110,000 on 14th July 1975 was a great day in the club's history. Dozens of Chelsea fans made the long trip north to pay their respects. Chelsea fan, and author, Kelvin Barker said: 'Joey was a cult hero for us at Chelsea and I know he was the same at the other clubs he played for. 'It's an honour to pay our respects alongside Wrexham, Liverpool and Huddersfield supporters. It's rare that one player can be such a hero at so many clubs -that's a real testament to Joey as a football player but more importantly as a fantastic man.' Greig Sarath, 57, from St Ives, Cambs, said: 'I had to be here to pay my respects to one of Chelsea's greatest ever characters. 'He will never be forgotten at Stamford Bridge. I'm so pleased I saw quite a few Chelsea shirts here.' The mourners were treated to passionate singing from the Fron Male Voice choir who sang the Welsh National Anthem and Abide with Me. The family asked that donations in memory of Joey are made to the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Dementia UK and Dogs Trust.
Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Joey Jones funeral details as football fans invited to wear team colours
Liverpool, Chelsea, Wrexham and Huddersfield supporters have been invited to the funeral of legendary player Joey Jones Fans of legendary football star Joey Jones, who tragically died last month, have been invited to attend his funeral and to wear their team shirts and colours. The Welsh defender was a popular player for all the teams he represented and a huge turnout is expected at his home town Wrexham's ground. Jones was a hero for Wrexham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Huddersfield. And his family said shirts and scarves from those clubs would be most welcome. Several Chelsea fans have already booked hotel rooms and are travelling up from London t o pay tribute to one of their biggest ever cult heroes. A spokesman for the Jones family said: There is no formal dress code, everyone is welcome to come as they feel comfortable - team colours very welcome. 'All are most welcome to attend the celebration of Joey';s life which is to be held in The Macron Stand of The Racecourse (STōK Cae Ras) on Wednesday 20th August 2025 with Kick-off at 12:30 pm. 'Following the celebration of his life there will be a strictly private committal with attendance by invitation only - please respect the families wishes for privacy at this stage of the day. 'Due to the large expected attendance, and to assist with safety, seating and stewarding, entry tickets will need to be booked online and presented on the gates - entry is of course totally free of charge, this is for safety purposes only - a link with access to ticket downloads will be made available in the coming days.' Chelsea fan, and author, Kelvin Barker said: 'This is a lovely touching idea by Joey's family. 'He was a cult hero for us at Chelsea and I know he was the same at the other clubs he played for. I know several Chelsea fans will be making the journey to Wrexham and we will wear the blue colours that Joey wore with such pride. It will be an honour to pay our respects alongside Wrexham, Liverpool and Huddersfield supporters. 'It's rare that one player can be such a hero at so many clubs - that's a real testament to Joey as a football player but more importantly as a fantastic man.' Jones died aged 70 last month. He won the European Cup (Champions League) for Liverpool. The defender was immortalised when Liverpool supporters memorably unfurled a banner at the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Monchengladbach having already beaten Saint Etienne and FC Zurich. It famously read: "Joey Ate The Frogs Legs, Made The Swiss Roll, Now He's Munching Gladbach." The family have asked that donations in memory of Joey are made to the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Dementia UK and Dogs Trust. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
North Wales Live
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Wales football legend Joey Jones dies as tributes pour in for Liverpool and Wrexham icon
The football world is mourning the loss of Liverpool and Wrexham icon Joey Jones, who has died at the age of 70. Tributes are pouring in for the Welsh legend, famed for his iconic clenched fist salute and a memorable banner that captured the hearts of Liverpool fans. John Aldridge, a fellow Reds hero, expressed his sorrow on X this morning, posting: "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 topman." Former Chelsea and Huddersfield ace Jones, known for his robust defensive play, began his illustrious career at Wrexham, where he made his first appearance at the age of 17. He later fulfilled a childhood dream by joining Liverpool in 1975 after Bob Paisley, the Anfield legend, secured his transfer for approximately £110,000. He etched his name into history as the first Welsh player to win a European Cup winners medal when Liverpool clinched the title in 1977, overcoming Borussia Monchengladbach 3–1. The victory followed wins against Saint-Etienne in the quarter-finals and Zurich in the semi-finals. A special banner displayed by Liverpool supporters during the European Cup final in Rome celebrated Jones' contributions: 'Joey Ate The Frogs Legs, Made The Swiss Roll, Now He's Munching Gladbach'. The banner has become a part of Liverpool folklore and is widely regarded as the most iconic in the Reds' history. The cult hero, who was often greeted with the renowned 'oh Joey, Joey' chant from the Kop, made exactly 100 appearances for the Merseyside giants, during which he also clinched the First Division and UEFA Cup. In 1978, Jones returned to Wrexham in a club record deal worth £210,000 – a record that remained unbroken until the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney takeover led to the £300,000 signing of Ollie Palmer in January 2022. Jones transferred to Chelsea in 1982 and played a crucial role in the team that stormed to the Second Division title in the 1983/84 season. He stayed in the top flight with the Blues before moving to Huddersfield Town in 1985, where he was named their player of the year in his debut season. Jones then made a third return to Wrexham, bringing his total appearances for the club to 479 before finally retiring after the 1991–92 season. Having earned 72 caps for Wales, Jones later worked as an Under 18s and reserve team coach at Wrexham, even briefly serving as caretaker manager between the departure of Brian Flynn and Denis Smith in 2001. Dubbed Wrexham's 'Ultimate Cult Hero' by the BBC, Jones scaled back his duties at the club following heart surgery in 2002, but continued to mentor emerging talents and returned to the Red Dragons as a youth team ambassador in 2021. The Wrexham supporter podcast Fearless in Devotion paid tribute on X, writing: "Sleep well Joey Jones. A giant on the pitch, a gentleman off it. The defiant fist salute when we sang your name, the full-blooded challenges, the cheeky smile when you got away with one. The football world has lost a true legend. We will carry your name forevermore." Liverpool fan channel The Redmen TV honoured Jones by posting an image of him alongside the famous banner on X, commenting: "Joey Jones won two European Cups with The Reds, as well as the league, UEFA Cup and Super Cup! Rest In Peace. You'll Never Walk Alone." A Liverpool supporter expressed their condolences: "RIP Joey Jones. Absolute Liverpool FC legend and subject of the greatest banner ever seen in a football ground." Another fan shared their sorrow: "Saddened to hear of the passing of another Reds legend. The fan on the pitch who lived and played out all our dreams. His clenched fist as he ran towards the Kop before every game will never be forgotten. RIP Joey Jones." Ex-Wrexham forward Jonny Taylor reflected: "I was lucky enough to have played for you and also to know you as a person and I'll be forever grateful of that! Grown up watching you raise your fist to us week in week out on the kop, your passion for Wrexham was special! A true legend! Love you Joey." Thomas Wynne Lewis, presenter of Men in Blazers' This Week in Wrexham, shared his thoughts: "Joey Jones. The quintessential Wrexham legend. I was lucky enough to know him reasonably well and he was genuinely the nicest man you could ever meet. "This is absolutely heartbreaking news. An absolute giant of the game and a Welsh icon. RIP Joey. We will always love you." Another Wrexham supporter stated: "When someone passes away, people often overstate their legacy, but not with Joey Jones. He didn't just wear the Wrexham shirt, he lived it. Genuine, humble, heroic. Mr Wrexham. We'll never see another like him."
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Daily Record
How a tiny Scottish harbour village helped launch the biggest WW2 invasion in history
The village, part of 'the Scottish Riviera', was a key site ahead of one of the most infamous World War II moments. As Scotland joins the rest of the UK and their World War II allies in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, many tales will be told of bravery and heroism. And while many of these stories will be well known and deserve their plaudits, a Scottish coastal village's importance is often overlooked. The picturesque village of Garlieston on the Solway Firth, sometimes referred to as the 'Scottish Riviera', served as a vital secret test site for the biggest invasion in history - the D-Day landings. The Dumfries and Galloway hamlet was crucial in the year preceding the June 6, 1944, Normandy invasion. This tranquil village provided the proving ground for the innovative floating harbours, known as the Mulberry Harbours, that were essential for establishing a foothold on the continent. The concept of portable harbours became necessary following the costly 1942 raid on Dieppe, which highlighted the immense difficulty of capturing a heavily defended port. Allied planners realised that to sustain a large-scale invasion force, they would need to bring their own port infrastructure with them. Garlieston's selection as the testing location was strategic. Its relative isolation helped ensure the utmost secrecy, keeping the crucial development work hidden from German aerial reconnaissance, which was primarily concentrated on southern England. Furthermore, the area's significant tidal range, approximately 24 feet, and its beach characteristics closely resembled the conditions anticipated on the Normandy landing beaches. Roy Taylor, a local resident , highlighted this, stating the tidal range provided "a good analogue for what was going to be encountered over in Normandy." He noted the local populace's "surprise" but also their "acceptance because people understood that it was part of the war effort and clearly if they had chosen Garlieston as the location then there must have been an element of secrecy required." Throughout 1943, various designs for piers and floating roadways underwent rigorous trials in Garlieston's waters and at nearby Rigg Bay. Prototypes code named Hippo, Swiss Roll, and Spud Pier were tested, along with the floating 'Whale' roadway. One of the inventive solutions trialled was 'Swiss Roll', conceived by Ronald Marsden Hamilton as a straightforward method for transferring equipment from ship to shore. Hamilton believed his invention could "revolutionise warfare" by allowing wheeled objects to traverse a canvas sheet laid on water as if it were solid ground. Following testing, it was deemed that the 'Bridge' would be "usable in all but the worst weather". Although the 'Swiss Roll' saw limited deployment on D-Day, the Germans reportedly learned of its existence, which contributed to Allied deception efforts regarding potential landing sites. The trials at Garlieston were instrumental in perfecting the designs, leading to the selection of the Spud Pier combined with the Whale roadway, supported by pontoons known as "beetles". This system proved capable of adapting to the substantial tidal variations off the Normandy coast. The components for the full Mulberry Harbours, including blockships for breakwaters, steel bombardons to dissipate wave energy, and large concrete Phoenix caissons forming protective walls, were manufactured across the UK, with contributions from Scottish firms such as Lobnitz and Company in Renfrew and Alexander Findlay and Company of Motherwell. These prefabricated sections were then towed across the English Channel for assembly. Two principal harbours were constructed: Mulberry A off Omaha Beach for American forces and Mulberry B, known as 'Port Winston', off Arromanches for British and Canadian forces. While a severe storm on June 19, 1944, destroyed Mulberry A, Mulberry B withstood the tempest and became the indispensable conduit for Allied logistics. The Mulberry Harbours played a "pivotal" role in the success of the Normandy landings, according to Roy Taylor, by ensuring the continuous flow of vital supplies. He emphasised the critical nature of logistics, stating, "your army is only as good as the supply lines behind it and that was really what Mulberry delivered, it was a conveyor belt of ships just coming along and disgorging stores and tanks and troops." Taylor concluded that they were "pivotal to keeping supply lines going after the D Day invasion and also for evacuating the wounded as well." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Major General R W Crawford USA praised the performance of Mulberry B, describing it as "a military and naval operation unsurpassed in the history of warfare." Despite facing conditions beyond its design specifications, Mulberry B facilitated the landing of over 628,000 tons of supplies, 40,000 vehicles, and 220,000 troops by late October 1944, significantly contributing to the sustainment of the Allied advance. The village's quiet contribution, born from ingenuity and secrecy on the 'Scottish Riviera', truly helped launch the invasion that paved the way for victory in Europe 80 years ago. Remains of the prototype harbours can still be seen in Wigtown Bay, a tangible link to the vital role this small Scottish harbour village played in a turning point of the Second World War.
