Neil Jones
Friday March 4th 2022

Neil Jones

Former Accrington all rounder Neil Jones has passed away earlier today.

Neil was a member of Accrington's Telegraph Cup winning side of 1986.

Beginning his career at Baxenden, Neil joined Accrington in 1979, winning a regular place in the first team the following season.

He took 36 wickets at 21.9 in 1981, including a match winning 7-43 against Todmorden at Accrington.

Neil's best season with the bat was in 1982 when he hit 356 runs at 16.2, including his maiden senior half century.

Neil played one season at Haslingden in 1983 but returned to Accrington the following season.

Neil's last match for the club was against Viv Richards' Rishton in 1987.

Former team-mate Paul Barratt paid tribute to Neil: "Such sad news, he was a massively influential character in the Accrington dressing room in the 80s.

"Such good fun and lots of almost believable stories.

"Also I remember him as one of the sweetest strikers of a cricket ball, glorious cover drives and huge straight sixes.

"RIP Jonesy, a legend to me and many others who had the pleasure of knowing him."

Neil's funeral will take place on Friday March 18th 1.00pm at Accrington Crematorium.

The funeral will be for family and close friends only but anyone wishing to pay their respects are invited to the Millstone at Mellor from 2.45pm onwards to have a drink in celebration of Neil's life.

The flag at the club will fly at half mast on the day of the funeral.