FC CYMRU PLAYER EDITION – MIDFIELDERS

CLIFF JONES – THE WIZARD ON THE WING

The very first meeting between Cymru and the Republic of Ireland took place in Dublin back in February 1960, and two goals from Cliff Jones played a key part in Jimmy Murphy's side claiming a 3-2 win, with Phil Woosnam scoring what would be the decisive goal.

Jones had established himself in that Cymru side long before then having made his international debut against Austria in May 1954 while still at Swansea Town.

Jones evolved into a true legend for club and country, and he played a huge part in the play-off victory over Israel that enabled Cymru to qualify for the finals of the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Jones scored in the two-legged play-off, and was a key member of the team as Murphy's squad reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners Brazil and a solitary goal from Pele.

Ahead of the finals in Sweden, Jones completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur, and he would make almost 400 appearances for the club in all competitions. He was also an important figure in the side that completed the domestic double in 1961 when he scored 19 goals during that campaign. He would also become the first Welshman to win a European trophy as Spurs lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1963.

The great Bill Nicholson was a pivotal figure in Jones' career at White Hart Lane, and he embraced the attacking flair that the winger could bring to his side in his pursuit of perfection. ”Bill Nick always wanted us to win with style and entertain the fans,” said Jones. “If we won a game and we’d played badly, he was disappointed.”

After a decade at Spurs, Jones departed for Fulham at the tail-end of his playing career, but will be remembered for the success he enjoyed during his prime at the club that defined his career. As one of the few Cymru internationals to play at the finals of a major tournament, he is equally revered for his achievements with his country having made 59 appearances, scoring 16 goals in the process. Jones is one of the true greats of that era, and remains as passionate about his club and his country today.

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