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.

Quick Facts

Full name: Michael David Jones
Born: 24 April 1945
Birthplace: Shireoaks, Nottinghamshire, England
Position: Centre forward
Total caps: 369
Total goals: 140

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.

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.