Alan Jones lived in his formative years in Minsthorpe Vale, brought up as the proud son of Lol and Sylvia Jones. He had two lovely sisters Karen and Sandra.

He was educated at Broad Lane Middle School - then for a brief time at Westfield Lane Senior boys school in South Elmsall before gaining an academic scholarship to Hemsworth Grammar School under the headship of the late Russell Hamilton. Later to become Hemsworth High School and now an Academy.

(Where incidentally he was, like myself taught, by a current avid Frickley fan, Terry McCroakham
Equally so , Alan was a staunch Sheffield Wednesday man. He loved the Owls.)

Other local lads like myself, Jeff Eades(Upton), Graham Hesketh (South Elmsall) and Glynn Lloyd (Kinsley) to name a few.

We were all part of Hemsworth Grammar School, inaugural football team, started in 1967 under master Peter Bell. Up to that point it had only been rugby and hockey. We were all members of that illustrious group.

Football had started much earlier than that for Alan and I. We started playing at under 14 for Minsthorpe Juniors under the watchful eye of Pete Morris. Lads who played with Alan at that time were ;Trevor Jones , Kenny Hill(another staunch Frickley fan), Barry Fish , Bob Dale, Graham Johnson, Robert Tinsley and Des Cowell.

Alan,s academic progress continued apace with his footballing talents throughout the sixth form. His real break came whist taking tertiary education at Wentworth College , Barnsley. Whilst studying for an English degree he happened to be befriended by a one John Mooney (junior), who was also studying for English – with the intention of being a teacher.

His introduction to his father – who happened to be coach at Frickley Colliery along with manager Cyril Wooliscroft gave Alan the break he was looking for. They didn,t hesitate in selecting him and along with two other managers continued to select him. He played for the blue and whites over a hundred times.

He also played on Sundays in the Doncaster league for local team Minsthorpe Carnegie in Division 1. – run by Brian Stones (family connection of John Stones from Hemsworth - currently at Everton)

During the summer holidays Alan ,a fine all round cricketer would play for Frickley Colliery 2nd X1 with the likes of John Gardham ,Maurice McAdoo, Johnny Johnson , Paul Kirkham, Tom Heathcote and the late Lennie Sausse, Brian Connolly and George Macintyre.

His academic career would then take him away from Frickley Colliery down to the south of England where he honed his pedagogy skills at several schools in Essex , Kent and Suffolk.
It was during this time that he caught the eye of semi –professional side Billiericay in the Southern League. He proved to be a good find for them and represented them very well for a couple of seasons.

Playing in the FA Cup for them – with distinction.

At this point his academic standing took him to teach in Spain for a couple of years. This natural progression then took in positions in the Middle East - in Qatar. Before attaining high positions in Malaysia. He had touched and chartered so many young students lives.

He then returned and settled in Cavendish , a beautiful ,quaint village, south of Bury St. Edmonds in Suffolk. He lived their with his wife Eleanor and daughter Beth. He retired last year, a year earlier so as to enjoy playing golf and spending time walking his dog in the lovely fields that surrounded his home. A wonderful career in Education behind him.

His passing leaves us all in shock – but I am proud to have known him – even prouder of his achievements in life.

I hope all at Frickley Atletic (Colliery) FC have fond memories of him. A local boy who made good – but always had his heart in this proud village.

God Speed! – Alan Jones!

I will miss you.

Fond memories.

BOB WINCER.