David Davies (footballer, born 1879) explained

David Davies
Fullname:David Charles Davies
Birth Date:1879
Birth Place:Talgarth, Wales
Death Place:Talgarth, Wales
Position:Outside-left
Years1:1897–1898
Clubs1:Talgarth
Years2:1898–1899
Clubs2:Builth
Years3:1899
Clubs3:Brecon
Years4:1899–1900
Clubs4:Hereford Town
Years5:1908
Clubs5:Talgarth
Nationalyears1:1899–1900
Nationalteam1:Wales
Nationalcaps1:2
Nationalgoals1:0

David Charles Davies (1879 – 13 September 1956) was a Welsh footballer who played at outside-left for various minor sides around the turn of the twentieth century as well as making two appearances for Wales.

Football career

Davies was born in Talgarth, Breconshire and started his football career with the local village side before moving to the larger towns of Builth Wells and Brecon where he earned a reputation as a "star forward", being described in one report as "a very reliable forward, quick in his movements, accurate in his passes and deadly at goal".[1]

His form for Brecon earned him his first cap for Wales in a 1–0 defeat against Ireland at Grosvenor Park, Belfast[2] on 4 March 1899.

In the summer of 1899, he was offered professional terms by both the clubs then operating in Hereford, just across the border in England. He rejected the offer from Hereford Thistle (who were to fold later that summer) and signed with Hereford Town, then playing in the Birmingham & District League. Davies injured his knee in his first league match for Hereford, against Shrewsbury, which was to eventually end his career.[1]

He made his second international appearance on 24 February 1900 when the Welsh defeated the Irish 2–0 at The Oval, Llandudno.[3]

Despite several comeback attempts, the knee injury forced Davies to retire in October 1900.[1] In 1908, he had recovered sufficiently to enable him to turn out occasionally for his village team.[1]

Life outside football

Davies was employed by the General Post Office for many years and was awarded the Imperial Service Medal for long service.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Who's Who of Welsh International Soccer Players . Davies . Gareth . Garland . Ian . 1991 . Bridge Books . 1-872424-11-2. 36.
  2. Web site: Ireland 1 Wales 0. Welsh international matches. Welsh Football Data Archive. 12 October 2010. 4 March 1899.
  3. Web site: Wales 2 Ireland 0. Welsh international matches. Welsh Football Data Archive. 12 October 2010. 24 February 1900.