Tributes flood in after death of Llay Welfare FC 'legend'

Cyril Davies, who spent the best part of 70 years immersed in the world of football within the Wrexham village, died on Monday in Gwastad Hall Nursing Home, where he had been looked after for sometime.

Back in 2017, Cyril, or Alec as he was called by his family, had the honour of a stand being named after him at Llay Welfare FC; a club where he spent time as a successful player in 1960's, before taking up various administrative duties, including Club Secretary.

Cyril Davies, front row, second from right, with his Llay Utd teammates after winning the Welsh Amateur Cup in 1949

Cyril, who was in his nineties, began his playing career at Llay United in the 1940s, where he made a name for himself as a skilful inside-forward and was part of the side that won the Welsh Amateur Cup in 1949, scoring the second goal as they beat Hanwood FC 2-0 in the final; a match that was played in front of nearly 7000 fans at the Racecourse Ground.

After a stint playing for Liverpool Marine in the 1950's, Cyril returned to Llay to play for the Welfare and helped them win the league and cup double in the 1962/63 season, before embarking on a career off the field that saw him serve as Club Secretary and Treasurer, as well as making the tea, washing the kit and putting the goal nets up; anything that helped the club grow from its very grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of Llay Welfare FC, Treasurer Andy Davies said: "Cyril was a stalwart of all sports at Llay Miners Welfare but his main love was football and his passion for Llay Welfare FC.

"In his later years, he would support the team home and away and in whatever the weather. He would enjoy speaking to all members, young and old, about the current state of affairs in football, not just at local level, but at national level as well.

Cyril Davies was a stalwart Llay Welfare FC, who named a stand after him in 2017

"He would spend many afternoons and evenings in the bar of Llay Miners Welfare watching Premier League football and discussing the games with other members, many of whom would be 50-60 years younger than him, but all would give up their time to listen to the thoughts of someone who had played at such a competitive level.

"It was his dedication shown to all members of the squad, to help them try and improve their game - by giving positive reinforcement to all the players who needed it - that he will be fondly remembered for. As a reward for all of his hard work and dedication that he had shown throughout his life, Llay Welfare FC dedicated naming the new stand in his honour in July 2017.

"A bedrock and stalwart of local football, not just in this village but throughout the Wrexham area, he will be sadly missed by all those who he played, coached and watched throughout his life.

"A dedicated servant to this village and beyond, Cyril thank you for everything you did and may you sleep peacefully."

Mayor of Wrexham and Llay Community Councillor Rob Walsh said he was very sad to hear of the passing of a man he called "a legend" and added that he was "an example to us all".

Cllr Walsh said: "He was a man who commanded respect from everyone of all ages. His life was dominated by his love for Llay Welfare FC and all the encouragement he gave to many players of many generations, who respected and admired what he achieved on the football pitch.

"That is why I make no apology for using the word legend. He was a legend full stop."

"Even in his later years he still made the effort to come out to the Welfare on a Friday night and still watch Llay Welfare FC thanks to his good friend Dave Price. It was an honour to be there two years ago when the Cyril Davies Stand was unveiled by Llay Welfare FC.

"I knew Cyril was very ill and I had hoped to visit him on Saturday when I was at Gwastad Hall, where he was looked after with great care and dedication. But he was not well enough for visitors. So RIP Cyril Davies. And thank you for everything you have done for our community."