NORTHWICH Victoria legend Kenny Jones has died at the age of 72.
The club's record appearance maker, with close to 1,000 games between 1969 and 1985, led the Trickies to FA Trophy glory in 1984.
All at Northwich Victoria are 'absolutely devastated' by the news of their former captain.
"When you think of Northwich Victoria, you'd think of Kenny," says a club statement, written by Pete Tonge.
"He was the epitome of how a footballer should be. He oozed class on and off the field, a perfect captain.
"Kenny was a true Vics' legend, our record appearance holder with 961 games for the Vics, and of course led our team to FA Trophy glory in 1984 when we defeated Bangor City in the final."
The statement continues: "Kenny was described by our club secretary, Dave Thomas, as the "non-league Bobby Moore" and he formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Jeff Forshaw.
"After his long and illustrious career at the Vics, Kenny went on to become first-team coach and assistant under the late John King at Tranmere Rovers.
"Not only was Kenny a legend of the game, he was a true gentleman who always had time for the fans, and it was a pleasure to see him back at the Vics last season when he came back to present a cheque to the Offside Trust on behalf of the club.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Jones was a bricklayer by trade but also spent time in the pub industry as landlord of the Halton Arms in Runcorn.
Tributes:
So many memories of this Lovely Fella. Absolute Legend... Brilliant Footballer.. He was and always will be Northwich Victoria RIP KENNY... ๐๐๐๐๐
โ Sharon Oakes (@SharonOakes19) November 11, 2019
Absolute legend for Northwich Victoria, Camarthen. Tranmere in the role of trainer. endless stories up at Lilleshall studying for FA courses and in opposite dug outs. Ironically the first game was 39 years ago yesterday in the FA Cup. My thoughts are with his family and friends https://t.co/zK9rd3Ffkk
โ Gavin Blackwell (@GavinBlackwel11) November 10, 2019
One of the best midfield players I played with ! RIP Kenny โฝ๏ธ๐
โ Keith Eccleshare (@Eckyman1950) November 10, 2019
A privilege to have been able to see him play.
โ Ian B. (@barntontrickie) November 10, 2019
RIP Great man.
Thoughts and prayers with Kennys family. ๐
Such sad news, I have loads of great memories of Kenny and dad playing next to each other at the back in that team.
โ Stewart Forshaw (@forshaw_stewart) November 10, 2019
Our thoughts are with Kennyโs family and mum, dad and all the family send our condolences ๐๐ป๐
The Club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kenny Jones.
โ Tranmere Rovers FC (@TranmereRovers) November 11, 2019
Kenny was considered Johnny King's 'right-hand man' during some of the most successful times in the Club's history.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.#TRFC #SWA pic.twitter.com/VGdv4SJ1gq
Our legendary former keeperโ Dave Ryan @dr0524 with a wonderful tribute to our Kenny ๐ #VicsLegends pic.twitter.com/iXSHEC7zXD
โ Northwich Victoria (@NorthwichVicsFC) November 10, 2019
Simply the greatest ever Northwich Victoria player. ย A ball-playing central defender, his partnership with Jeff Forshaw was legendary. ย How he was never a Football league player is beyond me. ย RIP Kenny. https://t.co/snLqry4oEA
โ Andy Dakin (@groundhopper23) November 11, 2019
What a great defender, played with and against Kenny many times, a fantastic man, RIP https://t.co/yDAlGpTx1V
โ Kevan Keelan (@kevkeelan53) November 11, 2019
Great loss! He was Mr @NorthwichVicsFC ย in my time. Gave it all to Vics and a privilege to have played with him! Love to his family๐
โ Dave Bradley๐ฌ๐ง๐บ๐ธ (@DaveBradleyLife) November 11, 2019
My dad always told me great things about kenny, especially how we lost the first final and that he told the fans they would come back and win it and so they did in 1984 . Always said he was an Unbelievable captain and easily could of played higher up in the football league โฝ๏ธ๐ณ๐ฌ๐
โ Chris Rathbone (@ChrisRaffa1990) November 10, 2019
Such sad news for Northwich Vics fans of the 1980s. The legendary lynchpin of the fabulous FA Trophy winning team. https://t.co/2HgXKUbv14
โ Rod Studd (@Rod_Studd) November 10, 2019
RIP Kenny. ย Fine player.
โ Gordon Hill (@gordonhill54) November 10, 2019
RIP Kenny Jones
โ Ian Rogers (@IanRoge40186533) November 10, 2019
Go have a whisky with Kingy mate ๐#SWA https://t.co/fbICrgQ6qJ
From myself, my staff and all my players, Iโd like to pass on our condolences to Kennyโs family at this sad time. ๐๐๐
โ Steve Wilkes (@stevewilkes1) November 10, 2019
RIP Kenny, a real legend of this fantastic football club, we will continue to build this club and keep you close in our hearts RIP Skipper ๐
โ Graham Egerton (@EgertonGraham) November 10, 2019
Being a Runcorn supporter in the era of Kenny Jones playing career, I saw him many times. Absolute quality player, remarkable number of appearences for Northwich. He ran the Halton Arms Pub, part of which became the Runcorn Linnets club ย house. So sad he's passed away. LEGEND
โ Paul (@p_tandy7) November 10, 2019
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