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Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Times
Wyn Davies obituary: Newcastle striker known as ‘Wyn the Leap'
Few footballers were as formidable in the air as Wyn Davies, or 'Wyn the Leap' as he was widely known. As crosses came in he would hang in the air high above desperate defenders, heading the ball powerfully towards goal or knocking it down for team-mates to score. In the author Duncan Hamilton's nostalgic memory he was 'the footballer who could fly'. 'Up in the air there was nobody who could compete with him, not just in England but in Europe,' said his Newcastle United team-mate Bobby Moncur. And it was for Newcastle in Europe that Davies really made his name. He was a key member of the team that won the 1969 Fairs Cup. They beat opponents including Feyenoord and Sporting Lisbon and then triumphed in the final against Ujpest, a Hungarian team boasting several internationals. The veteran Newcastle reporter John Gibson recalled 'one foreign international defender moaning to me after facing the relentless challenge of Davies, 'Football is called football because it is supposed to be played on the ruddy ground, not with a forehead used as a sledgehammer!' ' It was also his courage that made him so effective. Described as 'warrior-like' in his approach, with distinctive red hair, Davies was little deterred by defenders' aggression. His nose was broken during the Fairs Cup campaign, and he played the final with an undiagnosed fractured cheekbone. He survived skirmishes including a semi-final against Rangers when he was roughed up by defenders and bombarded with bottles by the Glaswegian fans. 'I'm the centre forward paid to take the knocks,' was Davies's laconic comment on such experiences. In another European campaign Newcastle played the Italian giants Inter Milan. Davies scored with an excellent diving header in the away leg at the San Siro. Back home at St James' Park he challenged the Milan goalkeeper and a mêlée ensued; the keeper was sent off as police came onto the pitch to restore order and Davies scored again in a 2-0 win. He scored ten goals in 24 European games for Newcastle, but his record in domestic games was less good — 56 overall in 216 appearances. Another team-mate, Frank Clark, reflected that 'scoring goals wasn't really his strength. He was one of the bravest players I ever saw but his game was all about creating havoc in the opposition box.' Newcastle had begun their pursuit of Davies, then a Bolton player, after he caused just such havoc against them in 1965. At first he rebuffed their advances. 'They wanted to sign me,' Davies recalled 'and I stalled after some of the [Bolton] lads told me to ask for £70 a week and they refused.' But the manager Joe Harvey returned the following year, agreed a transfer fee of £85,000, and made Davies a new offer. Davies insisted on finding a phone box to contact his mother and have a long conversation in his first language, Welsh, seeking her advice. He had once signed for Wrexham without consulting her and she complained so much that he subsequently never took any career decision without her approval. She now said yes and he headed north. Davies sends a header towards goal at St James' Park in 1966 ALAMY They were close as she had brought up Davies and his brothers alone after his father died when he was six. Ronald Wyn Davies was born in 1942 in Caernarfon and worked in the nearby slate quarries while playing for teams including Llanberis before joining Wrexham, where he scored 26 goals. He moved to Bolton in 1962, motivated partly by memories of seeing the great Nat Lofthouse play. He inherited Lofthouse's No 9 shirt and scored 74 goals in 170 appearances, also spending time improving his English. But he swore at referees in Welsh so they would not understand. While at Bolton, Davies made his international debut for Wales. He won 34 caps and the most famous of his seven goals came in 1966 against the newly crowned World Cup winners, England. It was a trademark Davies goal, chasing a long ball into the area and rising above two helpless defenders to power the ball into the top corner. He and his fellow strikers Ron Davies and John Toshack were dubbed 'the Welsh air force'. In 1971 Davies moved from Newcastle to Manchester City, resuming a partnership from his Bolton days with the striker Francis Lee (obituary, October 3, 2023), and won an FA Charity Shield medal. In 1972 he moved across the city to Manchester United, scoring on his debut. But he 'didn't get on' with the new manager Tommy Docherty (obituary, January 1, 2021) and was sold the next year to Blackpool. He also played for Stockport County, Crewe Alexandra and Bangor City, as well as for a team in South Africa, before retiring from playing. Davies was something of an introvert, remaining close to his Welsh family and returning to live in Bolton, where he worked for a time at a bakery. He had never had an agent and had earned a tiny amount by comparison with modern players. But he insisted he was content in later life with an allotment, looking after his dogs and sharing scrapbook memories with football fans. There were occasional visits from a group of Newcastle supporters, the Fairs Club, who wanted to re-live the glory of the 1969 European triumph. He appreciated those fans in particular as 'humble people and fanatical', hearing them sing their old song of praise from the glory days: 'Come all without, come all within, you've not seen nothing like the Mighty Wyn.' Wyn Davies, footballer, was born on March 20, 1942. He died of undisclosed causes on July 17, 2025, aged 83
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Wyn Davies dead at 83: Ex-Man Utd star dubbed ‘footballer who could fly' who made controversial move from Man City dies
FORMER Manchester United player Wyn Davies has passed away aged 83. The Welshman enjoyed a 20-year career and played for 11 clubs across the football pyramid. Advertisement 3 Former Man Utd player Wyn Davies has died aged 83 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 He is fondly remembered by Newcastle fans after helping the club win the Fairs Cup Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 The striker won 34 caps for Wales scoring six goals Credit: Alamy He had spells at United and Davies earned the moniker of the 'footballer who could fly' thanks to his impressive jump, which also saw him given the nickname 'Wyn the Leap'. The ex-forward's family announced his death with "deep sadness". Niece Kasey Allsup paid tribute, writing: "Rest in peace, Uncle Ronald Wyn Davies. Advertisement READ MORE ON MAN UTD "A Welsh legend, and our family's pride. You'll be missed more than words can say. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the love." Davies played for nine clubs at a professional level and made 550 career appearances. North Wales born and bred, Davies started out at Wrexham before joining Bolton, where his performances earned him a move to St. James' Park. He then spent a year at City before a switch across Manchester to rivals Advertisement Most read in Football Davies also had stints at Blackpool, He won the Fairs Cup with Newcastle in 1969 and was the "childhood hero" of Man City sign biggest kit deal in Premier League history as £1BILLION Puma sponsorship eclipses Utd's Adidas contract Toon paid a then club record £80,000 fee to sign Davies in 1966 and he went on to score 60 goals for the club. He also scored six goals in 34 games for Wales, and many fans have paid their respects following his death. Advertisement One fan said: "RIP The Mighty Wyn." Another added: "Devastated to learn about the passing of Wyn Davies. Our thoughts are with Wyn's friends and family at this time." A third wrote: "RIP Wyn Davies, my first footballing hero." And another commented: "Wyn Davies, what a legend. I'm proud to have spent time in his company, a gentleman and a true Newcastle hero. RIP Wyn." Advertisement
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Wyn Davies dead at 83: Ex-Man Utd star dubbed ‘footballer who could fly' who made controversial move from Man City dies
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Manchester United player Wyn Davies has passed away aged 83. The Welshman enjoyed a 20-year career and played for 11 clubs across the football pyramid. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Former Man Utd player Wyn Davies has died aged 83 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 He is fondly remembered by Newcastle fans after helping the club win the Fairs Cup Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 The striker won 34 caps for Wales scoring six goals Credit: Alamy He had spells at United and Manchester City, and played 181 matches for Newcastle. Davies earned the moniker of the 'footballer who could fly' thanks to his impressive jump, which also saw him given the nickname 'Wyn the Leap'. The ex-forward's family announced his death with "deep sadness". Niece Kasey Allsup paid tribute, writing: "Rest in peace, Uncle Ronald Wyn Davies. READ MORE ON MAN UTD BOAT OF BOTHER Harry Redknapp left stunned after 50ft boat crashes into garden of mansion "A Welsh legend, and our family's pride. You'll be missed more than words can say. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the love." Davies played for nine clubs at a professional level and made 550 career appearances. North Wales born and bred, Davies started out at Wrexham before joining Bolton, where his performances earned him a move to St. James' Park. He then spent a year at City before a switch across Manchester to rivals United, but only played 16 times for the Red Devils. Davies also had stints at Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Crewe and Stockport, but he is most fondly remembered in the north east. He won the Fairs Cup with Newcastle in 1969 and was the "childhood hero" of England and United great Bryan Robson. Man City sign biggest kit deal in Premier League history as £1BILLION Puma sponsorship eclipses Utd's Adidas contract Toon paid a then club record £80,000 fee to sign Davies in 1966 and he went on to score 60 goals for the club. He also scored six goals in 34 games for Wales, and many fans have paid their respects following his death. One fan said: "RIP The Mighty Wyn." Another added: "Devastated to learn about the passing of Wyn Davies. Our thoughts are with Wyn's friends and family at this time." A third wrote: "RIP Wyn Davies, my first footballing hero." And another commented: "Wyn Davies, what a legend. I'm proud to have spent time in his company, a gentleman and a true Newcastle hero. RIP Wyn."
North Wales Live
17-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Live
Wales and Newcastle United legend dubbed 'the footballer who could fly' has died
A Welsh football legend from North Wales idolised by fans at several top clubs has died. Wyn Davies started life as quarryman in Llanberis but went on to become a hero at clubs like Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers where he terrorised opposition defences. Playing more than 550 football league games he was renowned for his ability in the air and nicknamed 'Wyn the Leap'. He was also given the moniker of the 'footballer who could fly' as fans said his leaping powers bordered on levitation. This week his family announced the former Welsh international with 34 caps for his country had passed away at the age of 83. Nephew James Davies said it was with "deep sadness" the family were announcing the death of his uncle. He said that despite his incredible career he remained a very "humble" man who always had time for fans, whether it was to sign autographs or talk about his career and many footballing tales. Kasey Allsup added: "Rest in peace, Uncle Ronald Wyn Davies. A Welsh legend, and our family's pride. You'll be missed more than words can say. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the love." Wyn was born in Caernarfon in 1942, brother to David George and Norman Davies. As a teenager he worked the slate mines in Llanberis while playing for a youth side in the village. His potential was quickly spotted and he was snapped up by Caernarfon Town in 1959 before moving on to Wrexham AFC in 1960, then playing in the fourth tier of English football. This was followed by a move to Bolton Wanderers in 1962 - taking him to the top division. It was initially a culture shock for the first language Welsh speaker as he couldn't speak English particularly well. But he soon established himself as a fan favourite - scoring 66 goals in 155 appearances for the Lancashire club. His feats attracted the attention of elite clubs and Wyn the Leap became Newcastle United's record signing when he joined the club for £80,000 in October 1966. Arguably, his finest hour was at Newcastle where, between 1966 and 1971, he notched 40 goals and won the Fairs Cup, the forerunner of the Uefa Cup, now the Europa League. He became a legend in the north east - with England and Manchester United great Bryan Robson, a Newcastle fan, calling him his "childhood hero". When Robson appeared on This Is Your Life, Wyn was one of his special surprise guests. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Speaking to the Daily Post in 2018, Wyn said: "They still sing the song to me that they used to sing on the terraces: 'Come all without, come all within, you've not seen nothing like the Mighty Wyn' (sung to the tune of Manfred Mann's the Mighty Quinn)." He says his biggest regret was never winning the FA Cup at Wembley. The striker went on to play for both Manchester City and Manchester United before stints at Blackpool, Stockport, Crewe and Bangor. His final club was Cape Town City in South Africa, where he played in 1979 before retiring. He scored six goals for his country in 34 appearances - playing his final game against Poland in 1973. At the end of his career he settled in Bolton and worked at Warburtons. But he never forgot his roots or culture and apparently remained an avid fan of Welsh language soap Pobl y Cwm. He was recognised in his home town in 2018 when a plaque was unveiled at his first address on Maes Barcer in Caernarfon. A special ceremony took place at The Oval stadium ahead of Caernarfon Town's game against Llanelli. He told the Daily Post: "It was great of them to do this for me. I was a bit nervous about it, but it was very humbling. There were many other good players to come out of Caernarfon, not just me. I am very grateful." Following his passing, the FAW said: "The Football Association of Wales is sad to learn of the passing of former Cymru forward Wyn Davies. The thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with the family and friends of Wyn Davies during this difficult time.' Wyn's nephew James said other clubs where he has played also passed on their condolences. A member of a Newcastle United fan group messaged to say he was actually named Wyn by his dad after the footballer.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Is this Newcastle's best ever manager?
The manager Lee Clark believes to be the best in the history of Newcastle United is Joe Harvey. Harvey was in charge of the club from 1962 to 1975, and during this period, they won the Second Division title in 1965 and a European trophy. Before last season's triumph in the Carabao Cup, Harvey remained the most recent Newcastle manager to lift silverware. "My number one is Joe Harvey," Clark told BBC Radio Newcastle. "He won us the Fairs Cup, which is now known as the Europa League, and he took us to an FA Cup final. "He was the manager when we had some top individual players and he was there from 1962 to 1975. That tells you how successful he was."A recap of Clark's five best Newcastle United managers:Joe HarveyEddie HoweKevin Keegan Stan Seymour Doug Livingstone Listen to the full chat on BBC SoundsWhat do you make of Clark's choices?How would you rank these five? Have a go who is missing from the list?Let us know here
