LIVERPOOL; The former Liverpool and Wales defender Joey Jones has died at 70.

The left back, known for his tough tackling, was part of the Liverpool side who won their first European Cup in 1977 and successfully defended the title the following year.

“Jones’ attitude and commitment had long earned him the affection of the Liverpool supporters,” Liverpool said in a statement. “The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Joey’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Jones, who played 70 times for his country, started his senior career at Wrexham and spent 11 years in three stints at the club who said they would build a statue in his honour.

Liverpool paid tribute to Jones in a statement which read: “Liverpool is deeply saddened by the passing of Joey Jones. The tough-tackling left back was signed from Wrexham by Bob Paisley as a 20-year-old during the summer of 1975 and featured on 14 occasions in all competitions during his debut season.

“He unfortunately missed out on a league winner’s medal by just one match, with his 13 appearances in the top flight insufficient to qualify at that time, though was on the bench for both legs of the Uefa Cup final win over Club Bruges.

“Any personal disappointment was forgotten in the following campaign as Jones made the position his own, clocking up 59 games in a hugely memorable next season. Paisley’s charges successfully defended their championship crown — Jones played 39 of 42 fixtures — while simultaneously making history as the first Liverpool team to lift the European Cup.

“Jones’s attitude and commitment had long earned him the affection of the Liverpool supporters and he reached a century of games in January 1978. He also scored three goals while at the club. The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Joey’s family and friends at this sad time.”

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