Charlie Jones

Who was Charlie Jones?

Charles "Charlie" Jones was a Welsh international footballer.

Born in Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil, Jones started his career at Cardiff City, but was released in the summer of 1921 after just one appearance, a 1–0 defeat to Stoke City. He joined Stockport County, and in his first season at the club won a Third Division North medal and promotion to the Second Division. He moved in March 1923 to First Division Oldham Athletic, but the club were relegated to the Second Division soon after he joined; Jones spent another two seasons with the Latics in the second flight, and then joined fellow Second Division side Nottingham Forest in the summer of 1925.

Jones steadily made a name for himself as a talented left winger with Forest, making over 100 appearances for them in three years. It was also while there that he picked up the first of his eight caps for Wales, excelling in a 3–1 victory over England at Selhurst Park on 1 March 1926. In addition, he went on to captain his country several times.

Jones was signed by Herbert Chapman for Arsenal in May 1928, and often played as one of the forwards as Chapman introduced the WM formation. He missed only three league games in 1929–30, although unfortunately for him he was not selected for the Gunners' 1930 FA Cup-winning side.