Tributes paid to Wisbech Town FC’s Ian ‘Jigger’ Jones a former player and manager

Tributes have been paid to former Wisbech Town player and manager Ian ‘Jigger’ Jones.

Announcing the death on their Facebook page the club said: “Many fans will remember Jigger from the Fenland Park era having managed the Fenmen during various spells during the 1990s and 2000s.

“His playing days for The Fenmen ranged from 1977 until 1997, a total of 582 appearances, scoring eight goals.”

Jigger’s time as manager included a League Cup win over Newmarket Town, a Cambs Invitation Cup win over Cambridge City, and an FA Cup run - including getting to the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the first time in 30 years.

Promotion was gained in 1996/97 by finishing runners-up in the league and the team continued to do well in both FA Competitions, again reaching the First Round Proper of the FA Cup. The decision to employ a full-time manager saw his tenure come to an end.

A brief return as caretaker manager alongside Mel Mattless in 2004 ended with the arrival of Dick Creasey.

After replacing Dick as joint manager in May 2007, Jigger’s final stint in charge of the Fenmen came to an end on Thursday, September 27, 2007 when he and Mel resigned following a run of poor results.

The club will be holding a minute's silence before Saturday’s game against Gresley Rovers to allow as many of Jigger’s friends and former teammates to attend.

The club added: “Our thoughts are with Jigger’s nearest and dearest at this extremely sad time. RIP lan ‘Jigger’ Jones.”