Hedgehog Jones
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Alexander Jones | ||
| Date of birth | Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "?". 1966Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "?".Expression error: Unrecognized punctuation character "?". | ||
| Place of birth | England | ||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder, Defender | ||
| Number | 7 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1982 | Mancastor United | ||
| 1982 | Burnton | ||
| 1983 | Lestefield | ||
| 1983-2003 | United | ||
| National team | |||
| 1986-1994 | England | (?) | |
| Teams managed | |||
| 2003- | United (Ass.manager) | ||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only | |||
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Alex Jones, or simply known as Hedgehog, was a fictional footballer who appeared in the comic strips in the British boys' comic Champ in the We Are United strip during the 1980s and later in the Football Picture Story Monthlies (1986-2003). He also appeared in Victor in the Goals of Jimmy Grant strip. He was a midfielder, playing mainly for Riverton United and the England national team. He ended his career in 2003 as United's skipper. Jones was a rival and friend to teammate Terry Evans. He first appeared in the strip in February 1984.[1]
The character is a fondly remembered childhood memory for several generations of British men, while there is a book published in Swedish, Historien om Alex Jones. He was known for his unique style, his distinctive spiky blonde hair, and his earring. His fact file in Champ was number 6 in 1984.
Career
Club
Alexander Jones was more known by his nickname Hedgehog or Hedge, as his mom and friends called him. In 1982, he was signed by First Division Mancastor United, but he was released after 3 months. He then had short spells with Burnton and Lesterfield (probably third or lower division clubs). In 1983, he signed a professional contract with United, and he was used right after Joe Pearson took over and became a regular ever since. Though he was used as a midfielder in his first year at United, he preferred to play up front.
After Champ, he appeared in Victor (Goals of Jimmy Grant) and Football Picture Story Monthly. He won every possible honour with United, including 10 European Cups.
Hedgehog was a mainstay of the United team from the 1984 launch of Champ, all the way through to 2003. His constant bickering with teammate Terry Evans was the source of much amusement, as was his need to play practical jokes on whoever he found as a suitable candidate.
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Football Picture Story Monthly, issue 23 (1986), with Alex Jones for United.
International
Jones was an England international. He appeared with Jimmy Grant in a game against France in 1987, under manager Colby. In 1990, he was picked for the England team in the World Cup in Italy, being a regular. That was his only World Cup.
He was part of the team in 1994, but England failed to qualify for USA '94.
- National Teams:
England - Wales: ? full international appearances.
Jones representing England in the 1990 World Cup.
Style of play
Jones was known as a real personality and United's crowd created a special bond with him. He was a player of immense skill and vision on the pitch, with dynamic play. His close control and passing ability ranked him in the top 5 midfielders in England during 83/84. Determined, skilful and with a will to succeed whatever the circumstances, he controlled the centre of United’s midfield with an iron fist.
Later during the FPSM, he was used in a deeper role and towards the end as a central defender due to an injury crisis.
Managerial career
United were relegated in 2003 in the last issue of the story in FPSM. At the end, at a press conference, it was announced that Evans, with Jones as his assistant, would take over.
Legacy
He is remembered as one of United's greatest players and one of the most popular and beloved. In 1984, he was already compared to George Best, Rodney Marsh, and Jim Baxter. Jones holds the second-best record for appearances in the history of United, after Joe Pearson. The United storyline was filled with great characters, but Hedgehog’s rebellious streak and his appearance made him instantly likeable.
In November 2014, Jones was chosen as the 4th best comic footballer ever by the football comic heroes Blog.[2]
Personal life
His biggest thrill was when he was offered a contract by United, though he knew he was talented, regretting he didn't sign earlier for the club if he could. In 1984, he stated that his biggest ambition was to win the league and play for England.
In the Champ years, he appeared as a squatter and then lived at the club's dorms with Evans, Grant, and other youngsters. He had admitted early that he disliked Terry Evans, though he considered him the best striker in Britain (1984 interview). And also, he was amazed by captain Fred Rimmy, his incredible ability and commitment.
Jones was a Liverpool FC supporter.
Honours
Note that all records are fictional, as of the 1983/84 season.
League
- Premier League (including (Old) First Division): ? titles'
Cups
- FA Cup: ?
- League Cup: ?
European
- European Cup: ?
- UEFA Cup: 1
- 1986
International
- Intercontinental Cup/World Club Championship: 1
- 2000
- Summer International Tournaments:
