George Jones

Who was George Jones?

George Henry Jones was an English football player who played for Sheffield United between 1935-1950 in the position of Winger.

Jones was born in Sheffield, and was one of the many players who lost the best years of their football careers to World War II.

As a junior he played for Sheffield and Yorkshire Boys and, regularly turned out for Woodburn Alliance. He signed amateur forms for Sheffield United, and became a professional on his 17th birthday.

His debut in United colours was in a Central League debut against Leeds United at Elland Road, on a September evening in 1935. His first team debut was against West Ham United at Bramall Lane on 14 September 1936. He scored his first goal the following month against Rotherham United in a County Cup match at Bramall Lane on 5 October.

George had worked in the Engineering Shop of the English Steel Corporation. When the World War II broke out in 1939, an uncle who worked at the Short Brothers' aircraft factory at Rochester in Kent secured him a job there. While based in Rochester he played for the factory side and, later for Aldershot, sometimes partnering Jimmy Hagan.

After the War, he returned to Sheffield United and partnered inside-left Jack Pickering, who could supply the superbly measured passes that a fast direct winger thrives on. Jones was naturally left footed, but could shoot with power with both feet, and was equally at home on the right wing as on the left. His pace as a winger helped supply chances for regular Sheffield United centre forward Colin Collindridge.