Lot Jones

Who was Lot Jones?

William Thomas Jones, also known as William "Lot" Jones and Billy Lot Jones, was a Welsh footballer who played as a forward.

Jones was born in Chirk, Denbighshire, the son of Elizabeth Jones and grandson of Lot Jones, a coal miner and labourer. He was treated as a son of his grandfather, Lot. His biological uncle was the footballer, Di Jones. As a youth he worked as a pit miner and was one of several footballers to emerge from the area around the start of the 20th century, along with Billy Meredith and George Wynn. He signed for Manchester City in January 1903 from Rushton Druids, but did not establish himself immediately. He made only a single appearance in his first full season, scoring a goal in a 2–1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion in April 1904, and by the time he received his next opportunity he had been at the club for two years. From January 1905 until the end of the 1905–06 season Jones played in around half of his club's matches.

In the 1906 close season a financial scandal engulfed the club, resulting in the suspension of 17 senior players and several club officials, none of whom were permitted to play for the club once their suspensions ended.