Gifted young striker who never got to fulfil his potential
Ray Jones, who died just four days before his nineteenth birthday on 25 August, 2007, had just begun his career as a professional footballer with Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
His untimely death in a car accident saddened all at the club, who had touted him as one of their brightest prospects.
His football skills were so impressive that he received a call-up to play in the England Under-19 squad, and it is also believed that he was being monitored by clubs in the Barclays' Premier League.
In June 2007, Colchester United offered £200,000 for him, and made another bid shortly after, but both were turned down. He was described by QPR's chairman Gianni Paladini as "having the world at his feet."
Born on 28 August, 1988, Ray Jones' short life was blessed with talent and success.He joined QPR at the age of 15, despite being earlier rejected as a youth team player by Colchester United- a decision they would come to regret.
His professional debut was against Watford in 2006 and he went on to make 35 appearances in all competitions in his last season, scoring six goals.
His first league goal was at Loftus Road against Hull City on 23 September, 2006 and on 17 November, 2006 he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over prominent team Cardiff City.
He earned his only youth cap on 5 September, 2006, when he came on as a substitute for the England Under-19 squad against the Netherlands.
After scoring a 1-0 victory over Colchester United on 1 January 2007, Jones pledged his future to QPR and a week later signed a three and a half year deal. After this Colchester United made their June bids in vain.
Jones died in a car accident in East London on the morning of an upcoming QPR game with Burnley, which was postponed as a mark of respect. The game was replaced with a charity training session, of which proceeds went to a cause of QPR's choice.
Former QPR manager Ian Holloway led the tributes to Jones saying: "It's a terrible tragedy. A young life taken away. A young talent gone. I knew him, he was a great kid and a fantastic talent as well."
Club chairman Gianni Paladini added: "It's a huge loss for this football club. Ray had the world at his feet and he will be sorely missed by everyone connected to QPR. Our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends.
Club captain Adam Boulder also paid his respects and said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened. Ray was one of us. A footballer with a passion to succeed for himself and for QPR. "It goes without saying that Ray was the most gifted player at the club.
He had fantastic raw ability, and was destined for a very bright future, both at club and international level. He was a great character, a very popular figure in the dressing room, and he will be sadly missed.
"Every kick, every shot, every tackle will be for him. He was one of us, and will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace."
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