KENNY Jones is a true Vics legend.

His 961 games for the club is a remarkable record that will probably never be broken.

He led Northwich Victoria as captain to their finest hours – successive appearances in the FA Trophy final at Wembley, winning the prestigious competition against Bangor after a replay at Stoke City’s Victoria Ground in 1984.

His death at the weekend, at the age of 72, has led to an outpouring of emotions from Trickies fans, as well as the family and friends who adored him for the dad, grandfather, brother and gentleman that he was.

Family will fly in from America and Canada for his funeral that will take place at Landican Cemetery and Crematorium in Woodchurch, Wirral, CH49 5LW, on Thursday, November 28, at 12.30pm.

A statement by Northwich Victoria this week stated that all involved with the club have been left ‘absolutely devastated’ by the passing of their former captain, who joined the club from Ellesmere Port in 1969 and stayed loyal until 1985 despite having the ability to have played in the Football League.

He went on to enjoy promotion success as a player at Caenarfon Town, before becoming first-team coach and assistant under the late John King at Tranmere Rovers.

Jones, a bricklayer by trade, also spent time in the pub industry as landlord of the Halton Arms in Runcorn.

Long-serving Northwich Victoria secretary Dave Thomas has paid tribute to a man who formed a formidable centre-half partnership with Jeff Forshaw.

“It’s very sad,” said Thomas.

“I think he will go down as Vics’ greatest player.

“Loads of our players have made the Football League and maybe become famous, but as a one-club person – who everybody felt should have played Football League – he stayed loyal to Vics.

“He was a commanding figure and organiser.

“He really is a legend. And he was a lovely bloke too.”