Alan Jones  -  28th June 2019

Alan Jones was a brilliant left-foot centerman who possessed speed, evasive skills and who could read the game better than most to gather-in kick after kick to give his team the winning advantage.
Playing with Chelsea in the late 1940’s from U/18’s through to the Seniors sides in the 1950’s under great Chelsea FC Coaches such as Bonnie Johnstone, Stuey Hamilton and Russel Grambeau, Alan was a first pick in every side. 
Allan’s Best on Ground performance in Russel Grambeau’s the 1955 Senior Premiership against Dandenong was one to remember and goes down as legend-status on that successful day in-front of the September Grand Final crowd of over 5000 at the Cheltenham ground.
Alan contributed greatly to local football both on and off the field. Having departed Chelsea to pursue a Coaching career, Alan’s football skills and knowledge were put into action at Carrum FC where as Capt Coach he led his team to the 1959 Senior Premiership win over Hastings FC by one-point.

Once his senior playing career had finished Allan turned to coaching the U/18’s at Edithvale Aspendale FC with great success coaching his 1965 U/18 team to a Premiership followed by Grand Finals in 1966 & 67 only to be beaten by a kick in both games.

In the early 1970’s Alan again had input into local football by helping to establish the Chelsea Heights FC by initiating several junior teams and then the Senior teams.

In 1995 Alan instigated the 40th-year reunion of his cherished 1955 Premiership-team and he was delighted with a big attendance and the acceptance of his invitation to Dandenong’s losing Capt Coach Sandy Perkins to be guest speaker at the function.

1955 ‘Snap-Shots’ - Chelsea Mordialloc News from ‘Chelsea Grit/Col Counsell’
• Chelsea’s drive came from centreman Alan Jones who was giving his opponent Arch Baxter a few lessons in speed and tactics, Jones drives were all the more successful when he continually directed out to Reg Backman’s wing !.
• Jones was still yards in front of Baxter, and he shot to Phillips who thundered down the flank for a shot that just missed !.
• The final stages saw every Chelsea player beating his man and Alan Jones fittingly capped off his superb BoG performance with a run toward goal that raised two flags for Chelsea’s tenth major.!
• Alan Jones and Capt-Coach Russel Grambeau were chaired off the ground after the match… a fitting reward for two sterling performances !.

Alan Jones will always be remembered with great admiration and respect by all he teamed with and for those he influenced in local football in both the Federal and Peninsula Football Leagues.

Our condolences to Alan’s wife Val and family.

RIP
Ray Stuart – Chelsea FC Life Member.