Friends pay tribute to the Rhys they knew

Aug 25 2007

Group of Rhys's friends

FRIENDS of Rhys Jones last night said they would miss him forever.

Five of his close school friends came together to speak out for the first time to talk about their lost pal.

Connor Irwin, James Rigby, Daniel O’Brien, Ross Greenwood and George Styern, all 11, grew up with Rhys since they met on the first day of school aged just four.

The friends were known to everyone at Broad Square primary school and were rarely seen without a football at their feet.

James said: “Rhys was just a big laugh. I wish I had sat next to him in class because sometimes he only had to look at you and he would have you in fits. He had lots of friends in the school because he was just one of those guys everyone made friends with. Like his dad said, the world has lost a great guy. We’ll miss him forever.

“I heard that a lad had been shot coming home from football and knew Rhys had been training round there but I just thought there was no way it could be him. The next day, I turned on the TV and there was his picture. I just can’t understand why anyone would do it.”

Rhys was well-known for being football mad and wanted to follow in the footsteps of his idols, Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta, as long as he had his lucky number three on his back.

Daniel said: “He had a great left foot and had the potential to go on and play at a top level. Everton have missed out on a real talent.

“And he would always make sure everyone was included, no matter what it was. If you had forgotten your tuck shop money at school and he only had 10p, he’d buy a digestive and break it in half for you to have some.

“That was the kind of guy he was. He was just great and he’ll always be with us.”

Ross said: “I was nearly sick when I heard what had happened. Rhys was just Rhys – a brilliant lad who loved footy like we all do.

Connor said: “I will always hear his laugh in my head. I’ll remember the way he used to crack up when he was telling a joke.

“There is a knot in my stomach that just won’t go away now.

“He had a great place in this world and we are going to make sure our friend is not forgotten.”

The boys have now set up their own website at www.lovingmemoryof rhys.piczo.com