Wrexham: Mickey Thomas Reflects on Joey Jones as They Face Nottingham Forest
In the annals of the FA Cup, few moments are as unforgettable as Mickey Thomas's stunning goal that shocked Arsenal, marking one of the biggest upsets in football history. On that memorable night in January 1992, Thomas had a special person in mind to celebrate this achievement with – his dear friend, Joey Jones.
The bond between Thomas and Jones was forged long before they took the pitch against the Gunners. As commentator Tony Gubba pondered if any free-kick could be struck sweeter than the one that flew past goalkeeper David Seaman, Thomas was already racing down the sideline, eager to jump into the arms of what he affectionately refers to as "Sir Joey."
If only he could still call him that today.
"I still find myself scrolling through my phone, wanting to call him," Thomas reflects. "Having known someone for 57 years is significant. I think about him constantly. It's tough."
Although it has been over three decades since Wrexham’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, it has been less than half a year since the passing of the legendary defender, who played for Wales, Wrexham, and Liverpool. To Thomas, Jones was not just a close friend; he described him in July as "my soulmate."
As fans prepare for the upcoming match against Premier League side Nottingham Forest, they will likely pass by a mural of Jones – complete with his iconic clenched fist – on the wall of The Turf pub adjacent to the stadium. However, for Thomas, memories of Jones are ever-present, stemming from their early days as aspiring footballers in north Wales.
"We both started earning £7 a week, shared a shirt for the entire season, played together for Wrexham, represented Wales, and made daily drives to Chelsea together," Thomas reminisces, recalling how they often spent the night before games sharing a hotel room to avoid long commutes.
On the eve of that historic Arsenal clash, the duo enjoyed a few pints at a local hotel. At 37, Thomas geared up for what would be his last stand against the reigning league champions, while player-coach Jones stepped in to support the team amid injuries, marking his third stint with the club.
"We would joke around like we always did," Thomas remembers fondly. "He loved to laugh, even during challenging times."
Their friendship proved particularly steadfast during life’s trials. In 2019, Jones frequently visited Thomas as he battled cancer, and later, Thomas remained a constant presence by Jones's side as dementia began to take its toll.
"Even when things got tough, we’d tease each other like true friends do," reflects Thomas, now 71. "He would come to see me during my illness and say, 'It doesn’t look good for you, Mickey.' So when he expressed feeling unwell, I’d respond, 'Forget that, you look worse!' and it would make him laugh, which felt so normal."
However, as Jones's condition worsened, maintaining that sense of normalcy became increasingly difficult.
"I tried to take him to as many games as possible, but often he wanted to leave shortly after arriving," Thomas shares. "Then he would joke about needing to go home to polish his medals."
Regarding the mural, Thomas expressed mixed feelings. "It’s perfect, especially with the raised fist, but I wish he could have seen it while he was still with us because he truly deserved that recognition. Playing for Liverpool was his dream, but the impact he had on this club was extraordinary."
Thomas recalls a conversation with former youth coach Steve Cooper, who highlighted how underappreciated Jones's coaching skills were. "The way he managed people and nurtured young talent was exceptional. He was one of a kind, and I think of him every single day."
This sentiment is echoed throughout the Wrexham community, including the club's Hollywood owners, who are planning to erect a statue in Jones’s honor outside the new Kop stand development.
The reconstruction of this iconic stand, which once erupted with joy as Thomas’s free-kick sailed past Seaman and again when Steve Watkins scored the winner in 1992, symbolizes the transformation taking place at Wrexham.
"Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney genuinely care about the club," Thomas remarks. "It's amusing because although Ryan has the more prominent profile, it's when they're together that their chemistry shines – reminiscent of my own dynamic with Joey!"
"The enthusiasm they've injected into the club and the confidence they've restored in the town is remarkable, especially considering we endured 15 years in non-league football and faced even tougher challenges. They've invested wisely – in off-pitch activities, the youth squad, the women’s team, and bringing in the right people, including our fantastic manager, Phil Parkinson."
Because of this revitalization, Thomas humorously suggests that Wrexham may not be the underdogs anymore.
Yet, whether another FA Cup moment can replicate the magic of 1992 remains uncertain. If such a moment does arise, it’s clear who will be on Thomas's mind.
