Pool banner boy Joey Jones dies

NEVER has a banner at a football match encapsulated one player's crusade across a continent more, nor the affection of his people.

- MIKE WALTERS

On their way to the 1977 European Cup final, Liverpool had conquered St Etienne, then Grasshoppers of Zurich, and only German giants Borussia Moenchengladbach stood between Joey Jones and the holy grail.

Liverpool lifted the European Cup for the first time after a 3-1 win in Rome and Jones took with him the 24ft iconic banner unfurled that night when he left Anfield the following year.

It read: "Joey Ate the Frogs Legs, Made the Swiss Roll, Now He's Munching Gladbach." Jones loved the tribute because it conveyed the fans' pride in a cult hero.

Joey Jones, the first Welshman to win the European Cup, has died at the age of 70.