Wales and Spurs Legend Cliff Jones Honoured
Cliff Jones, a celebrated figure in Welsh and Tottenham Hotspur football history, has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list. At 91 years old, Jones has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to Welsh football.
The winger scored 16 goals in 59 international appearances and was a key member of the Wales squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden, where they were eventually eliminated by Brazil, led by the legendary Pelé.
Jones was also integral to Tottenham Hotspur's success, featuring in the team that secured the Football League and FA Cup double in 1961. Two years later, he played a part in Spurs' 5-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the European Cup Winners' Cup final, making Tottenham the first British club to win a European trophy.
Additionally, Jones contributed to Tottenham's FA Cup triumphs in 1962 and 1967.
Keeping up with the Joneses
Jones' football legacy extends beyond his own career. His father, Ivor Jones, and uncle, Bryn Jones, both represented Wales internationally. Notably, Bryn's transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Arsenal in 1938 for £14,500 was a world record at the time.
Cliff Jones enjoyed an 18-year professional career spanning from 1952 to 1970, during which he played 580 club matches. He began his career at his hometown club Swansea City, scoring 54 goals in 193 appearances across all competitions before transferring to Tottenham Hotspur in 1958 for a fee of £35,000.
During his tenure at Spurs, Jones scored 159 goals in 378 appearances in all competitions and is widely regarded as one of the club's greatest players. He departed White Hart Lane in 1968 to join Fulham.
His achievements have been recognised through his induction into the National Football Hall of Fame in 2013. That same year, he received a lifetime achievement award at the Sport Wales awards.
Other Honourees in Wales
In the same honours list, former Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Roger Lewis, who served from 2006 to 2015, was appointed an MBE for voluntary services to service personnel and veterans, acknowledging his role as chair of the Churchill Lines Foundation.
Tom Hooper, from Newport and head of sport at Bristol Metropolitan, was also appointed an MBE for services to education.
Cardiff City director Steve Borley was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to the Welsh economy, particularly in engineering, construction, and sports participation.
