Mick Jones
Leeds United's goal-scoring centre forward who won two league titles and the Fairs Cup.
Michael David Jones (born 24 April 1945) is an English former footballer who played as centre forward with Leeds United during the 1960s and 1970s. He was also capped for England.
- Position
- Centre Forward
- Era
- Late 1960s – Early 1970s
- Key Manager
- Don Revie
- Major Honours
- League Championship (1968–69, 1973–74), FA Cup (1971–72), Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
- Playing Style
- Goal-scoring centre forward
- Legacy
- Core member of the title-winning sides and FA Cup winners; retired due to knee i
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Jones joined Leeds United in September 1967 for £100,000. In his first season, Leeds won the League Cup (though Jones did not feature because he was cup-tied) and the Fairs Cup, with Jones scoring twice during the competition, including what turned out to be the winner in the final against Ferencvaros. The first leg finished 1–0 thanks to Jones' goal and the second leg remained goalless. The following season Leeds won the League championship with Jones scoring 14 goals. In 1970, Leeds pursued a possible treble but ended the season trophyless. In 1972, Leeds beat Arsenal 1–0 in the FA Cup Final with Jones setting up Clarke for the only goal. Jones suffered a dislocated elbow in the last minute of the game and missed the League title decider away to Wolves two days later, which Wolves won 2–1, costing Leeds the title to Derby County by a single point. In a 29-match unbeaten run at the start of the next season, Jones bagged 14 goals as Leeds won the title. Knee problems forced him to retire at age 30. His Leeds career ended with 111 goals from 312 appearances.
In Their Own Story
The 1972 FA Cup Final against Arsenal was a day of highs and lows for Jones. Leeds secured the trophy as he set up Allan Clarke for the solitary goal, but disaster struck in the final minute. Jones suffered a dislocated elbow after an accidental clash with Arsenal goalkeeper Geoff Barnett while landing awkwardly. Assisted by Norman Hunter to the Royal Box, he collected his winner's medal despite the injury. The pain prevented him from playing in the League title decider against Wolves just two days later, a match Leeds lost 2–1, costing them the championship by a single point to Derby County. Later that season, Jones endured constant pain and played reserve football by early 1975 as Joe Jordan took his number nine shirt. He watched from the sidelines as Leeds reached their first European Cup final in 1975, losing to Bayern Munich, before retiring at age 30.
Reader's Guide
Jones played as a centre forward. He formed a strike partnership with Allan Clarke from 1969. He was known for his goal-scoring and link-up play. His finest performance of the 1971–72 season came on 19 February 1972, when he scored a hat-trick against Manchester United in a 5–1 league win at Elland Road.
Did You Know?
- Jones scored the winner in the first leg of the 1968 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final against Ferencvaros.
- He missed the 1971–72 League title decider away to Wolves due to a dislocated elbow suffered in the FA Cup final.
- Jones played three matches for England, all friendlies, between 1965 and 1970.
- He was Leeds United Player of the Year for 1973–74.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mick Jones?
Michael David Jones was a prolific striker born in 1945 who became a key figure for Leeds United during the late 1960s and 1970s. He joined the club from Sheffield United in September 1967 after establishing himself as a top scorer in English football.
What was his playing role at Leeds?
Operating primarily as a centre forward, he was renowned for his clinical goal-scoring ability and physical presence up front. Under manager Don Revie, he formed a crucial part of the attacking lineup that dominated domestic and European competition.
What major trophies did Mick Jones win?
During his tenure at Elland Road, he secured two League championships and lifted the FA Cup in 1972 alongside two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups. His contributions were vital to the team's success during Don Revie’s golden era.
What are some of his standout performances?
He scored a memorable hat-trick against Manchester United in February 1972 and netted twice in the 1970–71 Fairs Cup final victory over Ferencvaros. Over his eight seasons at Leeds, he managed to score 111 goals for the club.
How did Mick Jones's career end?
His time as a professional player concluded prematurely due to persistent knee injuries that forced him to retire in 1975. Despite this early exit from the pitch, he remains celebrated by fans as one of the club’s most important strikers.
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