PFA Tribute to QPR's Ray Jones

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Players Football Association (PFA) - August 28, 2007
The PFA pays tribute to Ray Jones who died tragically at the weekend

Ray Jones, the young Queen's Park Rangers striker, was killed in a car accident in the early hours of Saturday morning. The teenager, on the threshold of his career, had already shown bags of potential and had made a substantial impact during his time at Loftus Road.

Born in East Ham, London, on 28 August 1988, Ray joined Rangers' Centre of Excellence at the age of 15, progressing to become a trainee on leaving school. He was still a trainee when he made his bow in senior football, coming off the bench for the final two games of the 2005-06 campaign.

Ray graduated to the professional ranks last term and despite being hampered by injuries featured regularly in the first team squad, scoring six goals from a total of 35 appearances in all competitions. One of his most memorable contributions came at Cardiff in November when he netted a last-gasp winner against the then Championship leaders. He had yet to appear in the first team this season, being absent due to a foot injury. A tall, skilful front man who used the ball intelligently, Ray had attracted attention from other clubs and Rangers were reported to have turned down a substantial offer for him at the end of the season.

Ray was also a member of the England Under 19 squad last term, gaining a cap when he came on as a substitute in the fixture with the Netherlands in September.

The club skipper Adam Bolder expressed the feelings of the squad when he 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.

"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. "

Rangers' fixture at Burnley on Saturday was postponed as a mark of respect.

All at the PFA send their condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. PFA