Vinnie Jones might be a big-time Hollywood actor these days, but the retired footballer gained a reputation as one of the hardest players around during his 15-year career.
Representing the likes of Wimbledon, Chelsea and Leeds United, the ex-midfielder was as dirty as they come. Jones wasn’t afraid of getting stuck in against all the other British hardmen to come from the 1980s and 90s, either.
Whether it was an off-the-ball confrontation or a meaty 50-50 challenge, the Welshman never backed down. That said, he doesn’t believe himself to be the hardest footballer the UK has ever seen.
Vinnie Jones Names England Legend Among Hardest Opponents
In an interview with talkSPORT, the now 61-year-old was quizzed on other notorious hardmen that he played against during his time in England. Jones was tasked with deciding if he would win in a ‘tough-off’ with each name.
Only three of the suggested names made it out as winners against ‘The Axe’. First was Chelsea legend Dennis Wise. The combative midfielder was a member of the ‘Crazy Gang’, just like Jones. When his name popped up, Jones responded:
“No. He’s a dirty little b*****d.”
Joining Wise on the list of players Jones admits were tougher than him was England legend Stuart Pearce. Being nicknamed ‘psycho’ leaves little to the imagination, although Jones is adamant he’s not scared of the ex-West Ham defender: “I’m not scared of him, but he was a tough boy.”
Finally, there was absolutely no hesitation from the ex-Wales international when he heard Mick Harford’s name. The pair played together at Wimbledon, meaning Jones knew first-hand how terrifying the striker could be. He immediately said: “No. Monster. He was the monster. The geezer.”
Another player who can back that up is Martin Keown. The Arsenal hero was left with significant damage after a collision with Harford, as he’s since explained:
“His favourite trick was to come from side on and smash you with his forearm. I had to have a nerve taken out of my teeth because he hit me so hard.”
Vinnie Jones Doesn’t Rate Roy Keane as a Hardman
Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane
Among the names he swept aside and backed himself against were ex-Liverpool ace Neil Ruddock, Everton bruiser Duncan Ferguson and Manchester United icon Roy Keane.
The latter is often spoken about as a scary proposition for any opponent he came up against. However, Jones laughed off the suggestion that the seven-time Premier League winner was harder than him: “That’s an easy one.”
It’s not the first time the midfield general-turned-actor has questioned Keane’s hardman persona. He even once named Bryan Robson, Steve McMahon and Billy Whitehurst as tougher footballers than the Irishman.