David Jones born July 3, 1964.
Few players have made such a dramatic impact as Harrow-born David. Arriving at Rovers in November 1989, after playing for several clubs including Bury, Leyton Orient, Burnley and Ipswich Town, the powerfully built striker made his debut at Rochdale on 11th November.
He marked it by scoring all three goals in a 3-1 win, and he remains the only player to score a hat-trick on Football League debut for Rovers. He went on to score 15 goals in all competitions in 1989-90, also helping Rovers to the area final of the Football League Trophy, where they lost to Tranmere Rovers.
He began 1990-91 in fine form, scoring three goals in his first four appearances but in September he suffered a serious neck injury in an off-field incident, and he didn’t return to action until January. Thereafter he struggled to regain form and in September 1991 he re-joined Bury.
Subsequently he had a spell with Hull City before moving into non-League football. He later worked as a TV cameraman and his work sometimes took him back to Belle Vue, where he was remembered with great affection.
His Rovers record was 18 goals in 48 appearances.