GERRY JONES RIP
Everyone at Stafford Rangers was saddened to learn of the death of former player Gerry Jones on Tuesday 17 August.
Gerry played over 300 games for the club during the late 1960s / early 1970s and was still a regular among the crowd.
Born in Newcastle under Lyme on 30 December 1945, Gerry began his football career direct from school, signing as an apprentice professional with Stoke City. He signed a full time professional contract in June 1963. After making his debut in 1964/65, he played seven matches for Stoke over three seasons but failed to establish himself in Tony Waddington’s first team and was released in May 1967.
Although he only made seven first team appearances, the highlight was against a star studded Manchester United side which included Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Charlton. After his release from the Victoria Ground, Gerry decided to go part time and moved to Stafford Rangers. His signing was described as the final piece in the jigsaw – the emerging team being built by manager Colin Hutchinson – and he went on to form a devastating left wing partnership with George Latham.
In the Cinderella Story, Paul Butters wrote “Then Gerry Jones was signed from Stoke City and filled one of the remaining gaps with that touch of class that made all the difference…..He strengthened an already strong side immeasurably….”
Gerry’s debut came on 12 April 1968 at home to Winsford United but it wasn’t to be a dream debut as Rangers lost 1-3. The team was: Brian Quigley, George Machin, Bobby Meadows, Jim Sargeant, Peter Ford, Fred Donaldson, Cliff Johnson, Graham Bird, Brian Wilson, Gerry Jones, Ray Williams. Gerry went on to play more than 300 games for Rangers and scored 46 goals – including two against Runcorn in the Cheshire League Cup Final of 1967/68. He was a key figure in the 1971/72 treble winning squad – turning out 65 times in that season. Among his honours were winner’s medals in the FA Trophy, Northern Premier League, Cheshire League Cup and two in the Staffs Senior Cup.
Appearances became less frequent over the following two seasons and with growing business pressures, he left the club in 1974, along with fellow Wembley heroes Graham Chadwick and Joe Clayton.
Gerry joined fellow NPL side Macclesfield Town but his stay with the Silkmen was brief – he only appeared in the opening two games of the 1974/75 season before returning to Stafford where he played out the season in the reserves.
After dropping out of the game for a year, he was back at the club in 1976/77 as trainer / coach alongside manager Reg Berks then left the game for good.
Rangers’ Appearances
| Season | Apps | Goals |
| 1967/68 | 9 | 5 |
| 1968/69 | 50 | 7 |
| 1969/70 | 60 | 12 |
| 1970/71 | 49 | 12 |
| 1971/72 | 65 | 6 |
| 1972/73 | 35 | 2 |
| 1973/74 | 35 | 2 |
| Total | 303 | 46 |
Stafford Rangers thoughts are with Gerry’s family at this time and we will mark his passing and celebrate his life and love of the football club with a minute’s applause before the home game against Radcliffe on Saturday 21st August.
RIP Gerry.
Stafford Rangers FC v Warrington town FC
First Half
It was a match in which both teams were looking to build on opening day wins. Rangers had the better of the play in the first half with early possession of the ball and they created the better chances with Tom Tonks hitting the post and causing the Warrington defence problems with his long throw. Jake Charles came close for Rangers after firing a shot just over the bar following some good control from a long throw. Warrington didn’t really offer much going forward but they looked quite good defensively. Rangers had chances to score but were unable to finish them. They did score a goal in the first half however it was ruled out following a foul on the keeper after a long throw. It was 0-0 at the break.
Second Half
Warrington came into the game in second half making it very difficult for rangers to break them down and causing them problems on the break. It was Warrington who made the breakthrough after a shot rebounded off the post allowing their left back Edmund Clarke to smash the ball into the roof of the net in the 66th minute. 1-0 Warrington. Things got worse for Rangers when keeper Adam Whitehouse was forced off with an injury to his hamstring Thomas Tonks replaced him in goal. Rangers nearly snatched a point when a free kick from Joe Cuff hit the post late on. But ultimately Rangers’ efforts were in vain as they suffered their first defeat of the season losing 1-0 to Warrington.
Stafford Rangers: Whitehouse Burns Lennon Ten- Grotenhuis Morrison- Derbyshire O’Neill Kenton Tonks (C) Charles Fletcher Cuff
Warrington: Atherton Ballie Clarke Duggan Roberts (C) Ali Mackreth Hough Buckley Dixon Duffy
Report completed by Luke Buckley
Warrington Town 17th August 2021
Matty Hill speaks with Roy after the Warrington Town game played at Marston Road.
Stafford Rangers v Morpeth Town FC
It was a drama filled afternoon at Marston Road as Stafford Rangers kicked off the new season in style
First half
The opening exchanges of the first half were very scrappy with both teams looking to win the battle for possession, after a few minutes of long balls it was Rangers who seemed to get the ball down and play some good attacking football. Morpeth seemed to be slow out of the blocks and took a while to get going.
In the 21st minute Rangers made the breakthrough when a long throw from Thomas Tonks was met by Joseph Kenton to make it 1-0 to Rangers. Morpeth failed to really respond to going a goal down with Rangers having numerous chances to extend their lead, fair play to the Morpeth keeper Daniel Lowson who made some great saves to keep it 1-0 going into the break.
Second half
Morpeth needed to respond in the second half having been second best for much of the first. However, things got worse for them when their captain, Wayne Phillips, was sent off following a really late tackle on Joseph Kenton. With Morpeth down to 10 men that meant a change in shape for them which almost saw them secure a point following an 82nd min goal from number 6 Chris Reid. Rangers pushed forward going into the last minutes of the game and Joseph Kenton sent the crowd absolutely wild following an 89th minute winner for Rangers. New signing Luca Nuvaro made it 3-1 in the 92nd minute.
3-1 FT
Report completed by Luke Buckley
Turn your everyday online shopping into FREE donations
