A PLAQUE to commemorate a Barnsley footballer who died in the Munich air disaster has been installed at the club where he started his career.
Manchester United player Mark Jones, born in Low Valley in 1933, was one of 44 people onboard a plane that crashed as it attempted to take off from Munich-Riem Airport, West Germany in 1958.
The campaign started by Wombwell man Jack Swift was backed by Mark’s son - and a good friend of Jack’s - Gary Jones, who died last year aged 53 after a long-term battle with kidney disease.
While Gary never got to see the plaque at Wombwell Main Cricket Club, where his dad played football and cricket as a youngster, his wife Susan said he would be ‘very proud’.
“Gary, and his sister Lynn, would be very proud their dad getting recognition,” said Susan, 64, of Hough Lane.
“We’d like to thank Jack for making it possible.”
Jack, 69, of Copeland Road, said the plaque was as much for Gary - who had trials at United in his youth - as it was for his dad.
“It was shocking when Gary passed. I still look for him when I go down Wombwell,” he added.
“The club have been brilliant putting it in. Any sponsors for them would be welcomed.”
