A number of former Port Vale FC players have paid tribute to John Jeffers who has sadly passed away at the age of 52.
The untimely death of the former winger has already drawn hundreds of tributes from fans and his former team mates have added their thoughts and best wishes.
Here is a selection of their comments:
Totally shocked and gutted, brilliant player, top bloke and a fantastic team mate. Always laughing and a proper Scouse sense of humour. RIP JJ.
Former defender Simon Mills
I only knew John for a short time when I joined the Vale, but he was a lovely lad with a great character and personality to go alongside his undoubted football ability he possessed. Condolences to his family and friends at this sad, sad time. RIP John, you brought a smile to the faces of all you met.
Former midfielder Ian Bogie
One of the most talented and funny people I had the privilege to share the dressing room with, lots of happy memories and laughs. Very sad to be hearing this horrible news today, my sincere condolences to his family at this sad time… God bless JJ The wizard of the dribble as we used to call him.
Former defender Allen Tankard
Sad day. JJ was a great lad, great player and very very funny. Thoughts are with his family and they should be very proud of him. RIP pal x
Former defender Gareth Griffiths
You were a legend at Port Vale – you’re more than a legend as a friend and teammate – love and miss you always – so devastated – love to Nicky and the kids xxx
Former defender Peter Billing
JJ what a player and even more so what a man, friend and all round good bloke, don’t think I ever saw you without a smile on your face. RIP pal xx
Former defender Peter Swan
Really sad news, John could turn a game in a second with his brilliant ability, but most of all his smile and personality was what l remember most. My condolences to his family and friends, RIP John top man.
Former goalkeeper and coach Mark Grew
So sad news. Great player and a lovely guy. RIP pal Webby.
Former defender Alan Webb
John was a great friend and I had the privilege of him being my best man at my wedding. So funny, laughing and joking all the time and always had a smile on his face. He was a brilliant, talented and skilful player and a great character also in the dressing room. My thoughts are with Nicky and the family. RIP John.
Former midfielder Andy Porter
Very, very, sad loss, I knew John from age 15 when we played together for England schoolboys then met up again at Port Vale. I loved him. A bit crazy, funny, great lad. Very, very saddened to hear this, I wish his family strength at this time, RIP John xxx
Former midfielder Mark Burke
John Jeffers 1968-2021 - related content
A collection of articles to mark the sad passing of John Jeffers…
John Jeffers passes away – an obituary
Our report on the sad news contains multiple comments and tributes from Vale fans. Read it here
John Jeffers career in pictures
A selection of our favourite images of the winger from his time at Vale Park. See them here
Team mates react to John Jeffers’ passing
Read the tributes from his former Port Vale team mates in this article
John Jeffers, a Port Vale cult hero
Published before his sad passing, we featured the winger as a Valiants cult hero here
John Jeffers. 1968-2021. RIP. Forever Valiant.
Really sad news, John could turn a game in a second with his brilliant ability, but most of all his smile and personality was what l remember most. My condolences to his family and friends, RIP John top man.
Had the pleasure of knowing JJ had many a good night in maxims with all the other port vale players Swanny you were a swine to me so so sad such a nice bloke will be sadly missed
Reading everybody’s comments so so true
Just also had sad news this weekend a good friend of mine Snowy Flynn had passed away also such a lovely bloke always made me smile
God bless both families
Thing of you all
Stay strong Ryan
Love too you all
Taff ( in Spain)
John was a great friend and I had the privilege of him being my best man at my wedding. So funny, laughing and joking all the time and always had a smile on his face. He was a brilliant, talented and skilful player and a great character also in the dressing room. My thoughts are with Nicky and the family. RIP John.
I had the privilege to play football with John ion many occasions when we were young lads in netherley, great memories. Our thoughts are with all of johns family at this sad time. R.i.p John. Tony Daly and family x