The funeral of our former Chairman and colleague Ken Jones will be on Tuesday 22nd October 2019, at 11:45am At Beckenham Crematorium, Elmers End Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TD
Followed by a reception at 12.45 at Chelsfield Lakes Golf Centre, Court Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9BX
Family flowers only please
Please make charity donations to Reach.org.uk
Ken Jones, our former Chairman and Life Member who has passed away at the age of 87, went back many years with Norman Giller, who recalls:
“It was just a few weeks ago that I last saw my old mate Ken Jones and his lovely wife, Kathy. We were at the memorial service for Hugh McIlvanney at St Bride’s in Fleet Street, and we made a pact. I told him: “I won’t come to your funeral, Ken, unless you come to mine. Ok?” I shook his left hand as he laughingly agreed.
There was no right hand to shake because he lost it in an appalling train accident twenty years ago. Ken being Ken, shrugged off the handicap, taught himself to become left handed and continued to write wise and often waspish words with which he decorated the sports pages of the Daily and Sunday Mirror, Observer and The Independent.
Now I have to break our agreement, and will sadly and respectfully say goodbye to a true master of the press box.
He has passed on just weeks after the trio of sportswriting legends with whom he shared star status – McIlvanney, James Lawton and Steve Curry. What a quality quartet for the editorial staff Up There.
Ken I go back more than 60 years. I was just starting out on my writing adventure when he was serving his apprenticeship as a journalist with the Dixon and Hayters agencies in old Fleet Street. He had turned to sports reporting late in his 20s after an ankle injury had finished a promising football career.
The Jones boy followed his father Emlyn as a lively and inventive forward with Southend United. His Uncle Bryn had been a pre-war star with Arsenal and he had a chorus of cousins who were making names for themselves on the football roundabout, including Welsh Wizard Cliff Jones, now 84 and a living legend at Tottenham, where he remains idolised.
Ken had to scribble in the shadow of Fleet Street giants Peter Wilson and Frank McGhee at the Mirror, and earned his corn with a string of exclusives thanks to his myriad of close contacts in the village world of football.
From red-hot football reporter, he eventually emerged as an authoritative and balanced all-round sports columnist, particularly readable on football and boxing. He was three times chairman of the Football Writers’ Association, and honoured by the Sports Journalists’ Association with their highest award, the Doug Gardner trophy for the continued excellence of his writing.
We travelled the world together before I tunnelled my way out of Fleet Street, and he was always a good companion and revered rival who composed his articles with an in-depth knowledge that left his readers feeling they had been there at the ringside or pitchside with him.
Amazingly, Ken was not the best writer in his family. He would bow the knee to his daughter, Lesley-Ann Jones, who became a ceiling-breaking columnist in Fleet Street in the misogynist days when women had to be twice as good as the men to get a break.
My thoughts are with Kathy and Lesley as I sit and mourn the passing of a good friend, a super sportswriter and a lovely bloke. Sadly you won’t be able to come to my funeral. Ffawelio hen ffrind.
Ken Jones, 1935-2019
Alex Montgomery has added a fuller tribute to his great friend and colleague Ken Jones, who passed away this week.
“It was obvious when Ken phoned a few days ago that all was not well. Maybe as well as those of us in regular contact with him had been fearing. The voice was weak. Yes he had been in hospital. Again? I wasn’t certain of his reply. He was ok now and no he had not watched the football. The wee Welsh terrier who would defend his beliefs with a tenacity that could shock was strangely benign. The call was short. That is not Ken Jones.
A call from him could occupy anything from half an hour minimum to two hours no maximum and would involve insights into his life as a youngster in Wales, his love of family, his worship of the men he knew and who toiled for coal, his life as a youngster growing up in Birmingham when his folks moved there, his national service as a PE instructor and his desire to follow the family trade and become a professional footballer — an ambition he achieved.
He would tell stories about his first steps in journalism, a move that was lucky for him and eventually his papers, of reporting the great game that was so much part of his DNA.
On a good day and most of them were good he would recall matches and incidents going back to the sixties about his fellow players at Southend or wherever, of his managers, learning the game as a coach more thoroughly than any other journalist at the time.
He would slip in stories about Billy Nich at Spurs, Alf with England, of The Don at Leeds. None was for publication because it was private between him and them and would stay that way. He would decide. He would fight his battles with his Fleet Street bosses though god knows he wouldn’t call them that. You didn’t boss Ken. And anyway his papers would benefit from his unique knowledge over the many years he worked for them.
Ken was the most likeable of men, a man of strong views who would listen to all arguments. Fools? That’s different. Many is the fool who tested his patience and had no chance of being suffered gladly. These would include the occasional big sports name. Celebrity was no defence for Ken.
He was the master of his craft, the finest of sportswriters who fitted comfortably into that elite group recognised as the greatest of their era – in his case any era.
Who else but Ken would take a phone call from Sir Alf Ramsey then manager of England after they had won the World Cup and be asked to estimate how many players he felt had the quality good enough to play for the country? Ken came up with the figure of thirty-five which he passed on. Alf said ‘thanks’ then added it was three more than he as England manager had on his list.
Don Revie was an old and very close friend who made a point of meeting him whenever possible but always before Leeds United played in London.
The Don would glean as much information as he could about this player and that and what was happening in the London scene.
Who else but Ken would be confidante to so many others at the very top of the game, players like Terry Venables and George Graham who set up a tailors business with him to supplement wages that were nothing like today’s earnings.
Ken has the distinction of being highly regarded on both sides of the fence; as a journalist and one whose opinion was sought by football insiders.
It was on Ken’s advice as an example, one of many, that Middlesbrough gambled – and it was a gamble at the time – on signing the young Graeme Souness from Spurs.
It was a far different game to report on back then than in these days, where press conferences now dominate and too few real friendships have the opportunity to develop.
To those of us football writers a generation behind him Ken was a towering professional figure and friend deeply respected, a man who, newspaper rivalry apart, operated an open house policy.
He would never be considered expansive in company, that wasn’t his style, which was dignified for sure. But to listen to him in full flow with a fine wine on the table happily dispensing stories was one of the pleasures of the job.
He was generous, giving, a man who loved company and chat and would talk expertly and entertainingly on any sport – boxing and the majesty of Muhammed Ali would incite his senses – but especially football, a no-brainer for a man born into the Welsh mining family Jones that produced the likes of the great Cliff Jones.
Ken was one of the first journalists to make inroads on radio and television match reporting but it was his insightful writings and his brilliant columns for the Independent that will be remembered.
That and the courage of a man who lost an arm in a train accident that could have killed him and the very next day was on the phone to Terry Venables asking when they could fix a lunch date.
Ken refused to accept old age – he would have been 88 next month — as a reason for not travelling to London to meet old friends, although that became a trial for him in his last year. He missed our FOTY Dinner which as a former chairman and long standing member he considered unarguably one of the highlights of the season.
I can speak for many when I say Ken was special as a journalist and a man and will remain special not just for his family but all privileged to enjoy his company.”
We at the FWA are saddened to hear that our friend, colleague and former Chairman Ken Jones has passed away.
Ken came from the famous Jones family that produced his cousin, the former Tottenham and Wales winger Cliff Jones. He covered his cousin’s exploits with the all-conquering Spurs and then went on to cover England’s World Cup final win in 1966. His first-hand account is superbly told here:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/bobby-moore-feet-up-reading-8525088
Ken worked principally for the Mirror, Observer and The Independent, and was Chairman of the FWA for three successive years, from 1975 to 1978. He was also a very fine boxing writer, and there is another great piece on reporting here:
He was widely considered one of Fleet Street’s finest and will be much missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Full tributes to follow.
Please note that the Tribute Night for Vincent Kompany has a change of date, brought forward from Jan19 to SUNDAY JANUARY 12. This is because Belgian TV requirements have led to a re-scheduling of Anderlecht’s game on the 19th.
All other details remain exactly the same and those who have booked tickets and tables at The Savoy event will be receiving tickets and passes within the next 10 days.
As a matter of urgency, can you please let Paul McCarthy, FWA Executive Secretary, know if you are NOT able to take your allocated table or tickets.
Our sincere apologies for the change but it was completely out of our control.
The FWA’s National Committee chose to honour Kompany not just for his outstanding contribution to English football, having won every domestic trophy (four PL titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups) but also for his charity work, not least via Tackle4MCR, a co-operation with the Mayor of Manchester’s office to tackle homelessness in the city. He also studied for and gained an MBA when he was in Manchester, and is a FIFA ambassador for the SOS Children charity.
Kompany wlll travel to London on January 12 to collect his award in what is sure to be a star-studded event and memorable night.
You can see a list of previous winners of the FWA Tribute Award here: http://footballwriters.co.uk/previous-tribute/
Pictures: PA images
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE TO CHANGE NAME TO ‘MANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE’
Vinnie Jones signs up to support life-saving partnership with Prostate Cancer UK which returns for a second season.
The Vanarama National League, which sponsors the FWA’s annual Golf Day, has once again changed its name in the opening half of the season – all for a great cause – Prostate Cancer UK. For a second successive season, the fifth and sixth tiers of the English game, including clubs like Notts County, Barnet and Wrexham, will be known as the MANarama National League until 9th November.
The League’s sponsors, van leasing company Vanarama, long-time supporters of Prostate Cancer UK, have again agreed to use their sponsorship in support of the leading men’s health charity. Last year, in an award-winning industry first, the National League rebranded mid-season with the ground-breaking MANarama campaign raising over £150,000 to help stop prostate cancer being a killer and earning a host of industry awards. From September to November this year, the forward-thinking firm will reprise their striking MANarama branding and will be working with all National League clubs to help them smash last year’s total.
To monitor fundraising progress, Vanarama has set up an alternative MANarama League table, which will track each National League club’s fundraising over the course of the campaign. In the drive to save lives, clubs raising cash for the cause will be in with a chance to win a brand-new minibus for the next three seasons. Hollywood hardman Jones, a former Wealdstone midfielder, has been signed up by Vanarama Chief Executive Andy Alderson to support the campaign this year.
Speaking about the campaign, Vinnie says: “I am beyond proud to back this MANarama campaign. It combines two things which are so important to me; grassroots football and fighting cancer. I started playing football in non-league so I know that these clubs are at the heart of local communities. I don’t need to explain why the fight against cancer is so important for me. Non-league football is proper football and I’d urge all non-league clubs and all the proper supporters out there to raise some proper money for this brilliant cause.”
Jones was at Vanarama’s head office in Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday afternoon with Prostate Cancer UK ambassador Kevin Webber and Errol McKellar, two men affected by the disease, who will play a key role in the campaign in another industry first in October.
The former FA Cup winner was visibly touched after hearing former mechanic Errol’s story and waved off ultra-marathon hero Webber as he set off on an epic walk to the live-on-BT Sports MANarama opener between Dover Athletic and FC Halifax Town on Saturday evening (5.20pm).
Webber will be a familiar face to BT Sports viewers after delivering the match ball on the final day of the MANarama campaign in October 2018, at Halifax, so in a fitting narrative will help kick off this season’s campaign.
Vanarama Chief Executive Andy Alderson, says: “The National League is the backbone of English football and we’re delighted to once again re-name it the MANarama League in support of our long-term partners Prostate Cancer UK. For many years we’ve stood side by side in the fight against prostate cancer and want the football world to come together and raise more money than we ever have before to help beat a disease killing one man every 45 minutes in the UK.”
National League Chief Executive Michael Tattersall, comments: “We were extremely pleased with the reaction to our temporary – and historic – rebranding to the MANarama National League during the 2018/19 campaign. It was fantastic to see so much money and awareness raised to aid the fight against prostate cancer. We are proud this will be taking place over a 45-day period for a second season.
“Prostate Cancer UK are our official charity partners and we couldn’t think of a charity that better reflects our football values. This deadly disease has no boundaries, so it’s been incredibly inspiring to see Kevin Webber raise so much awareness. He’s a remarkable man doing remarkable things and we will continue to stand alongside him, and everyone affected by prostate cancer.”
Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Angela Culhane, adds: “Last year’s brilliant MANarama campaign really caught the imagination and we’re delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with Vanarama ahead of another exciting few months. The fight against prostate cancer, a disease that kills one man every 45 minutes, is a purpose worth uniting for, and this fits in perfectly with our ‘Men, we are with you’ mantra; Vanarama, The National League and the Non-League community getting together to do something amazing in our quest. Money raised will help us fund more ground-breaking research and find the tools needed for a screening programme, in order to catch more prostate cancers early and save more lives.”
One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer meaning a staggering 1440 men will die from the disease during the MANarama campaign, highlighting just how important it is that more people are made aware of the most common cancer in men.
The campaign will also encompass Non-League Day on 12 October, an annual date on the football calendar, backed by Premier League and Championship clubs which this year celebrates a tenth anniversary. The day is always scheduled to coincide with an international break and provides a platform for clubs to promote the importance of non-league football.
For more information about the MANarama campaign, fundraising activity taking place through your local non-league club and prostate cancer information, visit the Vanarama (@Vanarama) and Prostate Cancer UK (@ProstateUK) Twitter feeds and the #GiveandGo
The FWA is delighted to partner with Snack Media for a special event next Wed Oct 2, from 6-9.30pm at 106-109 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8QS.
We will be discussing routes into the sports media for journalists from BAME backgrounds. A top panel will share their pathways and experiences, led by moderator Leon Mann, along with fellow FWA members Joel Beya, Vaishali Bhardwaj and Sami Mokbel. Tickets are free for FWA members and the £15 fee for non-members will be refunded for anyone who signs up to the FWA.
Full details and tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/football-writers-association-opening-the-door-to-bame-journalists-tickets-64426612733
We look forward to seeing you on the night.
ENGLAND LEGENDS TO BE HONOURED IN NORTH EAST
BRYAN ROBSON and Peter Reid, two of England’s finest midfielders and later successful managers in the North East, will be presented with a Legend Awards by the North East Football Writers’ Association on October 10th at the Ramside Hall in Durham.
The inaugural award is in recognition of the contribution the two men made as managers in North East football, as they helped to put Middlesbrough and Sunderland on the football map in the formative years of the Premier League.
Two of their most famous former players from Sunderland and Middlesbrough, Kevin Phillips and Nigel Pearson, will also join in on the tribute night taking part in a Q&A session on stage with Simon Crabtree, one of the region’s most popular broadcasters
After his record-breaking playing career with WBA, Manchester United and England, Robson went on to become player-manager of Boro. He later signed Phillips when he was manager of West Brom, his first club.
Phillips made his name at Sunderland when he was signed by Reid, the former Bolton and Everton midfielder, in 1997, scoring 130 goals in 235 games.
Pearson was Robbo’s captain at Middlesbrough after joining the club when they were still at Ayresome Park, and captained Boro to two promotions to the Premier League and in their first FA Cup Final and League Cup Final appearances at Wembley before his retirement in 1998. He later went on to success as manager of Leicester City.
Tickets are £45 for the R&R Reid and Robson North East Legends Award Night at the Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa on Thursday October 10 and £400 for a table of ten.
Contact Claire Stephen on 0191 375 3080 or claire.stephen@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
Also, Colin Young, NEFWA secretary via cysportsmedia@gmail.com
The event is supported by William Hill, title sponsors of the FWA.
 |
ti.to
Join us to celebrate the life of our beloved Vikki Orvice, a founding member of Women in Football, Sun sportswriter and vice-chair of the Football Writers’ Association. Vikki was a trailblazer for female journalists and a great friend to all who knew her. Every penny raised will support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
|
|
FWA and Vanarama team up again for annual Golf Day at Stoke Park, October 7
We are delighted to announce that Vanarama, the vehicle leasing company, are continuing their sponsorship of the FWA Golf Day, which will again be held this year at the magnificent Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire on Monday October 7th.
The day will follow the same format as previous years, with bacon butties and coffee on arrival from 8.30am, and tee-times on the first and tenth from 10.am until 11.30. The format again is stableford fourballs off ¾ handicap, with the best two scores on each hole counting for the team prize. There is also an individual competition for FWA members only, who will compete for the Joe Melling trophy, in honour of our former Chairman. There will be a prize-giving dinner starting at around 4.30pm.
Places are limited, so if you wish either to enter a team, bring a guest or play as an individual please e-mail gerry.cox@hayters.com to register your interest. Please include details of handicaps for you and guests, and any special dietary requirements.
Once again we will be supporting Prostate Cancer UK in honour of our former colleague and friend Ralph Ellis, who organised the Golf Day until his untimely passing last year.
Ralph will be in our thoughts as we enjoy one of the best days in the FWA’s social calendar.
Twitter
