Pic: Media Image
STEVE JONES has taken on the best in a career that started out in the North West Counties League and took him around the globe.
But who stands out for the former Northern Ireland international and current Nantwich Town striker?
“Puyol,” says Jones, remembering the time he went up against the Barcelona and Spain legend. “He was very strong, so was John Terry. Per Mertesacker was very good in the air, as you would expect, but he wasn't the quickest.
“So I would say Puyol because he was quick and strong. And he never shuts up. He was shouting down my ear every two seconds. They are really good experiences and ones I've really enjoyed.”
The 39-year-old played 29 time for his country. He was part of the squad that famously beat England 1-0 thanks to David Healy's goal and caused a remarkable shock when they downed Spain 3-2.
He made his debut against Italy, took on England at Old Trafford and can also name Germany on a long roll of honour.
“You sit at home, look at all the shirts and caps you've got thinking, ‘Did I really do it?' It's nice to reflect on everything,” says the former Crewe and Burnley man.
“I've got Jermain Defoe's shirt, Tommasi's from when we played Italy, Mertesacker's when we played Germany – the list goes on. You just look at them and think, ‘Wow, I've played against these guys'.
“I played against Cristiano Ronaldo when we played Portugal. Unbelievable. He was very good, put it that way.
“You're full-time, it's your profession and you try to do the job to the best of your ability. It's not every day you go out and play for your country, so you get enormous pride doing it. You want to give it your best and hopefully that's what I did throughout my career.”
Idols
But despite playing at some of the world's best stadiums, there is still one to tick off: Wembley. In the winter of his playing days, Jones might not get a better chance than now.
Last Saturday he came off the bench to set-up Liam Shotton's winner as Evo-Stik NPL Premier Nantwich beat Dover Athletic, two divisions above and pushing for promotion to the Football League, to reach the semi-finals.
“I've played in some big games at some wonderful stadiums but I think it means more to me now,” Jones says.
“Obviously I know my time playing is coming to an end so it does mean more to me now than when I was playing professionally.
“You savour the moment. It would be amazing to get to Wembley and finish my career.”
Not that he's fully committing to hang up the boots should they get past FC Halifax in the last four. Jones' career began with Chadderton – where David Platt and John Pemberton also started out.
He made his name at Leigh RMI while working in a Rochdale factory that sold nuts and bolts. His goals helped them win promotion from the UniBond Premier to the Conference and then finish sixth in their first season in the top tier.
“I scored the winner against Rushden & Diamonds on live TV and Crewe put in a £150,000 offer a couple of days after,” he says.
“I was working full-time, playing part-time and I couldn't believe it. I thought I'd won the lottery.
“It was actually a choice between Tranmere Rovers and Crewe. Dave Watson was the Tranmere manager. I'm a big Everton fan and he was one of my idols growing up because he was captain for years.
“But Dario's process of picking out Non-League players, recruiting them and selling them on was the reason why I went there.
“I knew he would improve me and he did. The technical aspects of training were immense. You learnt so much from each session. That's how you improve.
“It's just like players like Luke Varney. He came from Quorn to Crewe and went onto Charlton for £3m – the list goes on.”
Alongside Dean Ashton, Jones formed a formidable partnership in the Championship that outscored the double act of Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington that got Wigan promoted to the Premier League. He later played for Burnley, Bradford City and Walsall before returning to Non-League to stretch out his time.
History
“I'm really enjoying it,” says Jones. “I struggle playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday. But Saturday-Saturday is absolutely fine. I've still got a hunger for the game, I've still got fire in my belly and I still want to improve and do well.”
With 14 goals this season he still knows where the net is too and is determined Nantwich reach another national final.
It's ten years since they won the FA Vase final when current boss Phil Parkinson was their captain. His understanding of what it means to play for the club has helped fuel the Step 3 club's run to this stage.
“The gaffer has done really well, he's got a good mix of youth and experience,” Jones says. “We work hard together, as a unit and a team, and none of us slack off in training. There are no slackers. Everyone wants to put a shift in at training and then that goes onto the pitch at the weekend.
“Players don't take the shirt lightly either. When they put it on they want to keep it. If they don't put a shift in there are people on the bench who will come on and take the shirt. It's a healthy rivalry for everyone.
“We've just got to do what we've been doing. We've played some good teams already, Dover are up there in the National League, so we know we've got the players good enough to do it. It's up to us to perform on the day.
“Nantwich have a great history and this puts the club back on the map. It makes people look at who Nantwich Town are and where we've come from.” Jones too.
