Middlesbrough Legend Gordon Jones Dies Aged 82, Tributes Pour In

Middlesbrough Legend Gordon Jones Dies Aged 82, Tributes Pour In

  • Middlesbrough legend Gordon Jones has passed away, leaving fans and the football community in deep mourning
  • Tributes continue to pour in for the club icon whose presence at Boro spanned decades, on and off the pitch
  • Supporters and former teammates remember a figure whose dedication and legacy will never be forgotten

Middlesbrough Football Club and the wider football community are mourning the loss of club legend Gordon Jones, who reportedly passed away at the age of 82 on Monday, December 29.

Tributes have been pouring in from former teammates, fans, and the club, reflecting on the impact of his remarkable career and lifelong dedication to the club.

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Middlesbrough Legend Gordon Jones dies aged 82. Image credit: Josh Chadwick
Source: Getty Images

Middlesbrough paid their tribute on X, writing:

''We're deeply saddened to report the passing of Gordon Jones. An outstanding servant to MFC, Gordon holds the club record for post-war appearances and is second in the club's all-time list. Rest in peace, Gordon.''

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Former team-mate and fellow Middlesbrough great Jim Platt also commented on X, saying:

''Very sad news tonight. Gordon Jones my first captain at Boro and the only player post war to have played over 500 games for Boro has passed away. RIP Gordon.''

Gordon Jone's Middlesbrough career

Born in Sedgefield, Jones’ football journey began by a stroke of chance. At just 17, he was unexpectedly called into the first team when teammate Derek Stonehouse fell ill before a match.

According to Gazette Live, then-manager Bob Dennison informed the young defender that he would be starting in an away game against Southampton with only 20 minutes to prepare. From that moment, Jones cemented his place as a first-team regular for the next 12 years.

According to Wikipedia, Jones’ career at Middlesbrough spanned from 1961 to 1973, during which he made 532 appearances, a post-war club record and the second-highest in the club’s all-time list behind Tim Williamson.

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Known for his tough but fair tackling and accurate crossing, Jones remarkably never received a red card in his entire Boro career, collecting only two yellow cards.

He scored five goals during his 12-year spell and later played for Darlington after leaving Middlesbrough.

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Middlesbrough Legend Gordon Jones. Image credit: BoroshirtMuseum
Source: Getty Images

Jones was twice named Player of the Season in 1966 and 1971 and captained the team to promotion from Division Three in 1967, his first season as club captain.

His dedication, discipline, and leadership left an enduring mark on the club, ensuring his legacy will be remembered by generations of Boro supporters.

Although Jones never earned a full England cap, he represented his country at the under-23 level. He was also tipped as a potential selection for the 1966 World Cup squad, though the call-up ultimately never came.

Following his retirement from playing, Jones remained a familiar figure at Middlesbrough, regularly attending club events and serving for many years as chairman of the Middlesbrough Former Players Association. His continued involvement reflected his lifelong commitment to the club he served so faithfully.

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Chelsea mourns Marvin Hinton's death

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported the passing of former Chelsea star Marvin Hinton, who died on Tuesday, December 2, at the age of 85.

The club paid tribute to the legendary defender, honoring his vital role in Chelsea’s FA Cup-winning team and celebrating a career that left a lasting mark on the club and its supporters.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Gariba Raubil avatar

Gariba Raubil (Sports Editor) Gariba Raubil is a skilled content writer and journalist with over 14 years of experience in sports journalism. He is a CAF and FIFA-accredited reporter and has been a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) since 2020. He has covered several international tournaments including two All Africa Games in 2015 and 2023. He also reported on the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 Women’s AFCON. Email: gariba.raubil@yen.com.gh