Bristol City was sad to learn of the death of former midfielder Jon Economou on Friday, October 11th, two weeks before his 58th birthday.
Jon signed as an apprentice aged 16 and at 17 he was awarded a three-year professional contract. He struggled to gain a first team place until fate intervened in February 1982, when eight senior players, the Ashton Gate Eight, tore up their contracts as a necessary part of saving the club in its financial crisis.
Jon made his League debut in the next game at home against Fulham, alongside three fellow youth team players also making their debuts – Mark Smith, Wayne Bray and Rob Newman. One year later Jon recalled: “The Fulham game remains one of my most memorable. The atmosphere was fantastic and the thrill was only matched by my first league goal against Gillingham later in the season.”
Jon would go on to make 62 league appearances for Bristol City – three as a substitute – scoring three goals. After leaving Ashton Gate, Jon joined up with former team mate Gerry Gow, then managing at Yeovil Town, followed by Forest Green Rovers, Weston-super-Mare, Gloucester City, Minehead – then managed by another former teammate, Chris Garland – and Devizes Town.
In 2013, Jon underwent lengthy surgery for a malignant tumour and had undergone many medical procedures since. He leaves behind partner Mandi and daughters Hayley and Gemma.
Jon Economou was from Islington in North London and attended Holloway School as well as representing his school he played for the Islington District team and was one of the first UK Cypriots to play for a football league club .
