Stan Jones (English footballer)

Stan Jones (born 16 November 1938 in Oxford) is an English former football defender. After starting in non-league football with Kidderminster Harriers, he played in the Football League for Walsall (two spells) and West Bromwich Albion.[1]

Jones played youth football for Staffordshire where he was spotted by Kidderminster Harriers.[2] After making his name at the club he was briefly associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers as an amateur before signing for Walsall in 1956.[2] A tall, burly defender noted for his strong tackling and aerial ability, Jones attracted the attention of West Bromwich Albion and moved to the Hawthorns in May 1960 for a fee of £7,000, having been central to Walsall's Fourth Division title success in the 1959-60 season.[2]

At Albion Jones displaced Joe Kennedy from the number five shirt, becoming first choice at centre back for much of the 1960s.[2] However he missed the 1966 Football League Cup Final, Albion's only trophy win during his time at the club, due to injury.[2] The following season Jones lost his place in the Albion first team to new signing Eddie Colquhoun and in March 1968 was allowed to leave and return to Walsall.[2]

Jones remained at Fellows Park until 1973 when he returned to Kidderminster as player-manager.[2] He subsequently signed for Hednesford Town as a player before retiring in 1976.[2]

Having retired from playing he remained in the game, coaching at Coleshill Town, Walsall (where he was involved in youth and reserve team matters[3]) and Burton Albion before starting a sports equipment business in Walsall.[2]