Sport mourns the loss of “legend” Bernie Jones

The Mid Wales sports scene is a poorer place this morning following the death of Bernie Jones following a short illness.

Cricket and football clubs have flooded social media with tributes overnight for one of the most loyal and hard working figures to have supported the local sports scene.

In recent years, former teacher Bernie, who lived in Newtown, was known for his tireless support of grass roots football as secretary of the Montgomeryshire Amateur League, but he was also a giant in the local cricket world, even playing host to Newtown’s overseas players in the past.

A talented goalkeeper and cricketer in his playing days, Bernie used his experience to become a solid administrator behind the scenes and the collective outpouring of grief overnight shows that he leaves behind an incredible legacy.

Football Association of Wales councillor, Graham Evans, led the tributes by saying: “Totally saddened to learn of Bernie’s passing. My first thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go out to Sue, children and wider family and friends. Bernie was Mr Mid Wales on the footballing scene. A true legend and very loveable character. His passion for grassroots football in our area was second to none, everyone knew him.

"He gave so much of his time, supported fantastically by Sue, to ensure that everyone had an opportunity to play, giving clubs the flexibility to fulfil fixtures rather than fold. A very sad day for football across Mid Wales, irreplaceable in what he has contributed, and the mass of tributes on social media is fitting testament to such a great person. Rest in peace, Bernie.”

A Newtown Cricket Club statement read: “Extremely sad news to hear of the passing of Bernie Jones, a former player of NCC. Bernie was second team captain for a number of years as well as helping the club in many other ways like hosting our overseas players in his home.  A legend of a man across sport in Mid Wales, a huge character that will be greatly missed.”

NOTE: MyTown Media would like to extend our condolences to Sue and family on the passing of Bernie. We all knew him personally and the local media industry benefited from his tireless work in ensuring that grassroots sport had a voice. Rest in peace, sir.