William Davies

William Davies (13 April 1882 – 21 January 1966) was a Welsh footballer who played as a centre forward for Wrexham and Blackburn Rovers in the era prior to World War I as well as making eleven appearances for Wales.

Early life Davies was born in Wrexham and was trained as a tinsmith, thus earning the nickname "Tinker", which he was to retain for the rest of his life. He played football as an amateur with various clubs in the Wrexham area; whilst he was with Wrexham Victoria of the Chester and District League, he gained a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer.

Football career

Wrexham He was signed by Wrexham, then playing in The Combination, in 1902. Davies was described as a "short, dogged player, full of dash and determination", who had a reputation for charging the goalkeeper; in one Welsh Cup match, he bundled the goalkeeper into the net five times. Two years later, Wrexham again won the cup, with Davies once more being on the score-sheet in a 3–0 victory over Aberdare Athletic.

Shortly before the 1903 Welsh Cup final, Davies was called up to represent Wales against Ireland at Solitude Ground, Belfast in the last Wales match in the 1903 British Home Championship – the match ended in a 2–0 victory for the Irish. His second match for Wales came two years later, in a 2–2 draw with the Irish.

Blackburn Rovers In the summer of 1905, he was signed by Blackburn Rovers of the Football League First Division for a fee of £150. Davies had been keen to join Liverpool who were anxious to acquire his services, but his former Wrexham teammate, Bob Evans, who had joined Blackburn two years previously, persuaded him to join Rovers. He was Blackburn's top scorer in three of the eight seasons he spent at Ewood Park: 1907–08 (9 goals), 1908–09 (21 goals) and 1910–11 (16 goals).

Davies was recalled to the Welsh team for the 1908 British Home Championship; in the match against England on 16 March. Davies scored his first international goal, a consolation goal scored in the 90th minute of a 7–1 defeat. In this match, the Wales goalkeeper, Leigh Roose, left the field after being injured in the 15th minute following a shoulder-charge by Vivian Woodward; Charlie Morris took over in goal until half-time, when Dai Davies came on as a substitute 'keeper.

The following season, Davies scored twice in a 3–2 victory over Scotland; this was his first win for Wales.

Davies was seriously injured midway through the 1909–10 season causing him to miss the latter half of the season including the international matches, to help Blackburn win the Football League title for the first time.

Retirement and later life Davies was married to the daughter of a director of Blackburn FC. In 1910, with the proceeds of a benefit match, he went into partnership with his Blackburn teammate Bob Crompton as motor engineers.

Date Venue Opponent Result Goals Competition 28 March 1903 Solitude Ground, Belfast 0–2 0 British Home Championship 8 April 1905 Solitude Ground, Belfast 2–2 0 British Home Championship 7 March 1908 Dens Park, Dundee 1–2 0 British Home Championship 16 March 1908 Racecourse Ground, Wrexham 1–7 1 British Home Championship 1 March 1909 Racecourse Ground, Wrexham 3–2 2 British Home Championship 15 March 1909 City Ground, Nottingham 0–2 0 British Home Championship 20 March 1909 Solitude Ground, Belfast 3–2 0 British Home Championship 28 January 1911 Windsor Park, Belfast 2–1 1 British Home Championship 6 March 1911 Ninian Park, Cardiff 2–2 0 British Home Championship 13 March 1911 The Den, London 0–3 0 British Home Championship 13 April 1912 Ninian Park, Cardiff 2–3 1 British Home Championship

Honours Wrexham Welsh Cup winners: 1903, 1905

Blackburn Rovers Football League champions: 1911–12