22-07-2025
Gutted Gary Bennett pays tribute to Wrexham's Joey Jones
But the ex-Reds striker, who was first enticed to sign for Wrexham by Jones, says the town better get ready for one of the biggest funerals ever.
"Wrexham won't see a funeral like it - there'll be thousands and thousands wanting to show their respects to Joey Jones," said Bennett.
"There's bound to be a procession passing The Racecourse and I'm sure many, many Wrexham fans will be lining the streets.
"I was devastated when I got the call and I have to admit that I had a little cry to myself - that was how much the man meant to me.
"I went to see him in hospital with Karl Connolly last week and the nurse said he was awake and that it was fine to go in.
"He recognised me and and said 'Benno' - and that meant the world to me.
"The nurse joked to him that his legs had seen some action and he responded by lifting his first.
"Thank God I went to see him last week to see him because he meant so much to me.
"Football fans call players legends but there was no bigger legend at Wrexham Football Club than Joey Jones. He was on a pedestal above everybody else.
"It doesn't seem right that there's a Wrexham Football Club - and no Joey Jones.
"I've got nothing but respect for the man - and it was Joey who actually made the move for me join from Chester.
"He first called me to say Wrexham were interested, I'm not sure whether Brian Flynn was that sure but Joey convinced him.
"And Joey was the first person I saw when I walked into the club. Of course, I was feeling nervous and typical Joey, he said: "What are you doing hear you Chester b*****d!
"That immediately made me feel at home and then in the dressing room before a game, he'd make me feel unbeatable before I went out onto the pitch.
"But whether you were a first year pro or a senior pro he'd always have time for you and offer words of advice - and this is from a man who won the European Cup with Liverpool.
"I don't think Joey got the respect as a player that he deserved. He was someone who always gave 120 per cent whether it was on the field or in training.
"I remember we used to have five-a-sides on a Friday and it was England v Wales. Joey would take the Wales side and me England.
"We did the Welsh national anthem before kick-off and I used to sing baa baa black sheep and Joey would go mad and chase me around the pitch!"
