Ray Jones (footballer, born 1988) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ray Jones

Jones playing for Queens Park Rangers
Personal information
Full name	Raymond Barry Bankote Jones
Date of birth	(1988-08-28)28 August 1988
Place of birth	East Ham, London, England
Date of death	25 August 2007(2007-08-25) (aged 18)
Place of death	East Ham, London, England
Playing position	Striker
Youth career
0000–2006	Queens Park Rangers
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2006–2007	Queens Park Rangers	33	(5)
Total		33	(5)
National team
2006	England U19	1	(0)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Raymond Barry Bankote Jones (born 28 August 1988 – died 25 August 2007) was an English professional footballer. He played as a striker. Ray spent his whole professional career at Queens Park Rangers (QPR). He played his first game in the Football League Championship in April 2006.

Ray started the next season very well. This led to him playing for the England under-19 team against the Netherlands. Other clubs also wanted to sign him because of his good playing. In total, he scored six goals in 37 professional matches. Ray Jones sadly died at the age of 18 in a car accident in London. His club, QPR, decided to retire his shirt number, 31, in his memory.

Ray Jones' Football Journey

Ray Jones was born in East Ham, London. When he was young, he tried out for Colchester United but wasn't chosen. However, he impressed the coaches at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and joined their youth team.

He played his first professional game on 22 April 2006. He came on as a substitute for the last seven minutes in a game against Watford. Eight days later, he played his second game of the season against Reading.

Ray started his first professional game on 12 August 2006. This was a 2–0 win against Southend United at Loftus Road, QPR's home stadium. He helped Nick Ward score a goal, which gave QPR their first win of the new season. People noticed how well Ray and another young player, Dexter Blackstock, played together.

Ten days later, in a Football League Cup game, Ray scored his first career goal. He came on as a substitute and, just three minutes later, headed the ball into the net, winning the match 3–2 for QPR.

On 5 September, Ray played his only international game. He played for England under-19 against the Netherlands in a friendly match. Eighteen days later, he scored his first league goal in a 2–0 win against Hull City. He scored again the next weekend, helping QPR win 2–1 against Southampton. On 17 November, Ray scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Cardiff City with less than three minutes left.

Many Premier League clubs were interested in Ray because of his strong performances. At one point, QPR's manager, John Gregory, thought Ray might leave. But after scoring a goal against Colchester on 1 January 2007, Ray said he wanted to stay with QPR. A week later, he signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with the club. In total, Ray played 37 games for QPR and scored six goals.

In June 2007, Colchester United offered £200,000 for Ray, but QPR said no. They made another offer, which was also turned down. Other clubs like Fulham and Derby County also tried to sign him. Ray missed the start of the 2007–08 season because of a foot injury.

How Ray Played

Ray Jones was remembered as a very talented young player for QPR. Fans saw him as a "prodigy," meaning someone with amazing natural talent. He had all the important skills for a forward player, like being strong, fast, smart, and confident. Supporters felt he represented a new and exciting time for the club. It was said that he could do things on the field that his friends only did in video games. People also liked that Ray would take the London Underground home from games, just like the fans.

Ray Jones' Passing

Ray Jones died in a car accident in East Ham on 25 August 2007. He had only received his driving license 23 days before. Two passengers in his car, Idris Olasupo and Jess Basilva, also passed away.

Ray's death was very sad for QPR, as another young player, Kiyan Prince, had also died the year before. The club and fans were heartbroken.

As a sign of respect, QPR postponed their next game against Burnley. Burnley held an open training session instead, and the money raised went to a charity chosen by QPR. QPR also decided to retire the number 31 shirt in memory of Ray, as that was the number he wore. In their league game against Southampton on 1 September 2007, all the QPR players wore Ray's name on the back of their shirts to honor him. Ten days later, before an England U19 friendly game against Belarus, a minute of applause was held for Ray.

Career Statistics