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Vinnie Jones is mostly
known for his time at Wimbledon, and the way he spread horror with his
raw and terrible tackles.
He was the perfect example of a player that in many ways was a mirror of
the English game in the 80's.
No respect for rules and regulations and always using tricks to get the
opponent out of balance. Jones is often described as the hardest man
ever to be part of the game.
Vinnie was not a bad footballer. Jones played an important part at all
his clubs and showed that he could score goals and make good passes.
He helped Leeds to promotion and was a very important player at
Sheffield United.
Sadly, he will never be remembered for the good he did, his attitude and
unsporting behaviour is what we all will have in mind.
Jones spent 13 years in the professional game, and was sent off 12
times. He has also been fined and banned by the FA for bringing the game
in to disrepute. Also accused, by respected people in the game, for
bringing the violence at the terraces on to the pitch.
Despite this ugly reputation nothing stopped Wales when they decided to
give Jones a chance on the international arena. He never managed to
impress at this level and was only capped 9 times.
Jones had a never say die attitude and the managers that played him used
his presence to scare of opponents.
No one will ever believe that Howard Wilkinson, Dave Bassett and Joe
Kinnear signed Jones for his footballing skills.
His tackle on Gary Stevens and several other bad episodes will always be
attached to Vinnie. He will be remembered as a raw and unplugged hulk
and for bringing the game in the wrong direction.
Today players like Jones are none existing in top flight football.
Hopefully it will stay like that for ever.
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