LEE JONES recalls how a dream move to hometown club Wrexham materialised - and how a suspension hanging over from his Lex XI days proved costly.

Ex Wrexham, Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers striker Jones was spotted while playing for Lex, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and switched to The Racecourse in 1990 at the age of 17.

“It was my first taste of senior football and I signed for Wrexham playing for Lex so they are a club very close to my heart,” said Jones.

“I only played about a dozen games for Lex and ending up signing for Wrexham the season after. It was a short period but I really enjoyed it.

“Lex were one of the best teams in the area and had some great players involved with them.

 “The Lex manager at the time when I played for them was Graham Jones and Johnny Edwards was the groundsman for Wrexham and Lex as Wrexham trained at Stansty Park.

“Johnny had a word with Joey Jones and Cliff Sear and said there is a boy playing for Lex that you want to have a look at so that’s how my move to Wrexham came about.”

Although a YTS player, Jones was in line to make his Wrexham debut in a European Cup Winners’ Cup first round tie against Danish side Lyngby early in the 1990-91 campaign.

Wrexham were only allowed to field so many non-Welsh players and Jones, who hadn’t appeared in the league for the Reds, couldn’t play because he was still banned following a dismissal for Lex the previous season.

“The second to last game of the season I got sent off for Lex,” said Jones. “We conceded a late goal and it was for swearing at the referee.

“I went on to sign for Wrexham and because I’d been sent off, I missed the home leg against Lyngby at the start of the next season so it was a bit mixed.

“It was great to sign for my hometown club but I was gutted to miss the game but it was my own fault. I was on the bench for the away tie but it was disappointing.”

Jones is now manager of the Glyndwr Wrexham Football Academy and the university has forged links with Lex, something the 42-year-old hopes can lead to success for the club who ply their trade in the Welsh National League.

“It has been a really well run club for many years with people like Viv Reeves,” said Jones. “It’s a club where everyone mucked in together.

“I have got a lot of affection for Lex and I would like to see them be successful again. That’s the reason why we have linked up with them.”

The club was formed in the mid-sixties by some of the younger Wrexham solicitors, who encouraged their staff and friends to start playing friendly matches.

Their first objective was social and to just enjoy the game – an attitude and approach that has remained over the years.

Lex will hold their big night at The Ramada Hotel in Wrexham on October 9 with tickets priced at £15.

Phil Jones who was secretary for 12 years in the 1980's and 90's remembers his time with affection like signing Robbie Savage when he was released by Manchester United.

“I met him at a function a few years back and asked him did he remember me signing him and making his debut at Holywell Town in the Cymru Alliance and he said ‘of course I remember signing but check your records Phil, my debut was for LEX Reserves at Llay Welfare Reserves the week before,” said Jones.

“Some people thought it was a grazing ground for former Wrexham pro's and there is a long and lengthy list which in addition to Dave Gaskell, Alex Lucas and Sammy MacMillan in the early days. 

“Ex Welsh international Brian Lloyd played for two seasons in goal, two lovable scousers Graham Whittle and Alan Dwyer had lengthy spells at the club. 

“ The relationship was not just one way either, Lee Jones made his debut for Lex; Mike Keen answered a goalkeeping crisis and one of the most charismatic larger than life characters Nick Hencher our very own Clown Prince was snapped up by Dixie McNeil when he was in charge.”

Jones also pointed out that Geoff Scott, who has been appointed the new Commercial Director at Wrexham Football Club, was a rugged fullback at Lex for more than three decades and later went on to manage the Reserves and the Sunday League side.

The club are looking for as many players who have turned out for the club or officials who have been connected with the Stansty-based outfit over the years to turn up next month.

Anyone interested in buying a ticket, which includes food on the night, should call Dave Jackson on 01978 359908 or Phil Jones on 07525 824679.