'Busby Babe' Mark Jones remembered as new memorial placed in Barnsley to honour footballing legend
A high street in Barnsley has been fitted with a new memorial plaque dedicated to a footballing legend.
Mark Jones was one of the legendary ‘Busby Babes’, a group of Manchester United players in the 1950s who rose through the youth team under the guidance of Matt Busby.
But while he may have made his name in Manchester, Mark was actually from South Yorkshire, born in the Wombwell area of Barnsley.
He signed for United as an apprentice, making 103 league appearances in defence and winning two league titles during a near decade-long tenure with the club.
However, his life was tragically short as he and seven of his teammates were among 23 people killed when their plane crashed during take-off at Munich on February 6, 1958.
Now, close to 70 years later, and this famous face in footballing history has been immortalised in his home town, as a memorial stone was unveiled on Wombwell High Street on February 6.
Representatives from Barnsley Council celebrated the unveiling with Mark’s daughter Lynn Hargreaves, who was born just months after he died.
“I am grateful that Barnsley Council has recognised my dad and his achievements with this tribute in Wombwell so his legacy lives on for years to come,” she said.
“Sadly, I never knew my dad, but my mum told me and my brother Gary all about him and he was a legend to me. I am proud of what he did and hope everyone will notice the memorial stone in the high street and remember him, too.”
Councillor Robin Franklin, Barnsley Council's cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said this new memorial comes as part of wider regeneration work for the town.
He added: “We are proud to pay tribute to Mark Jones, one of Wombwell’s greatest sporting heroes, as we mark the completion of our major improvements to the high street.
“It is only fitting that Mark’s achievements are recognised at the heart of the community where he was born and grew up and I’m pleased we have been able to help ensure his memory lives on.
“The wider regeneration of the town centre is part of our work to support our high streets to thrive, and I hope everyone will welcome its impact in ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe and pleasant shopping experience.”
Ifty Ahmed, chair of the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation, said: “The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation is delighted that Wombwell is honouring Mark Jones with a permanent plaque in his home town.
“This tribute rightly connects Mark’s local roots with his place in Manchester United’s history and the wider legacy of the Busby Babes.
“By marking this site, Wombwell ensures that Mark’s story remains visible, understood and remembered by future generations.”