EDITOR
NOTE : Keep em coming these are great! All of these will be presented
to Ron
I was
about 14 when I started going to The Dell on a fairly regular basis.
At that time, Ron had been at the club 2 or 3 years and had already
became a bit of a legend due to his fantastic scoring ability. I
can't quote specific games to you but I do remember the feeling
that we always had a chance in any game if Ron was given the ball.
No doubt that it how others thought too and that is how the song
'Give It To Ron' (on his head) was born. He was without question
the best header of the ball of his generation. He seemed to be able
to get on the end of any ball and was a wingers dream. He was quite
good on the ground too and had the ability to lay the ball off to
others. How I wish he was in our team today.
Regards
Gary Young,
Basingstoke (formerly of Southampton - my hometown!)
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My best memory
of him was when I got his autograph when a young lad. Growing up
in Wales I was the only Saints fan and all my mates knew I worshipped
Ron. One day we were on the beach at Porthcawl (where I lived) and
Ron was sunbathing on the beach with other Wales team mates. My
mates pushed me forward and I got his autograph - he was fantastic
and it made my decade!
Colin Thomas,
Solihull (previously South Wales)
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Ron was my
idol. As a schoolboy I watched his towering headers go in the net,
sometimes delivered with power and at other times just placed in
the corner. I was in awe. Even now, I wonder how he managed to leap
so high. Back then, riding back home on the number 5 bus back to
Weston after a Saints win where Ron had scored, I was in ecstacy.
Oh that magic feeling!!!!
Lance Maleski,
Newbury
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We use the
word legend far too easily , almost as an excuse for greatness,
Ron Davies was a legend in every true sense of the word, I remember
watching him at the dell marveling on how high he could rise and
what power he put into those magical headed goals.He is a legend
and true Saint in every sense of the word, not only a great player
, but always a good bloke when he met the fans .
Steve Phillips
(Cornish Saint), Cornwall
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Ron Davies,
without doubt the best C/F ever to play for SFC. Watching Ron play
for Saints was enjoyment itself. Thanks for the wonderful memories,
Ron.
Norman Bainbridge, Southampton
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What great
memories I have of Ron. As a 17 year old lad I hitch -hiked to Manchester
in 1969. It was the days when fans were not segregated in a big
way. I was on my own and ended up in the Strettford End. I was privileged
to watch Ron score all 4 of his goals. Needless to say I did not
show any outward emotion. I was lucky enough to return home with
one lift !! The Southampton to Manchester Transport Co. The driver
was from Manchester but bore no grudge. I was dropped off at the
bottom of Hill Lane.
I have just had a hip replacement myself and at 55 can't wait to
get back to football refereeing and playing volleyball.
Are there any plans to release any archive material of Rons on DVD
as I would love to relive the Manchester Game and the many goals
he scored for Saints & Wales. In the "Pink" days as
a player his charicitures of the many famous players were always
popular, why not a book of them. As I am self-employed and a taxi
driver I am not earning while I re-cuperate but I look forward to
contributing when I am back at work.
All the best with your campaign he was a true "Saints Legend"
Is name was Ronnie Davis
He's the leader of our team,
The finest centre forward that the world as ever seen,
You could always rely on him to score the vtal goal.
And as for ###### you can stick him up your #####
La la la la, la, la le la lah.................... What Memories
!!!!
David Harris,
Southampton
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Ronald Tudor
Davies
Now there's
a majestic name, one that conjures up the picture of a Drill Sergeant
in The Welsh Guards for me!
My early
years as a Saints fan saw sporadic attendances until my first game
I attended on my own, a 2 - 1 win
over Notts Forrest. Not much to write home about really, unless
I checked back in the archives I couldn't tell you
who scored even.
Two weeks
later it was quite a different story! A blazing hot summer's day
saw me and a few friends at the last
game of the season. Aston Villa, still a big club by name but then
at the wrong end of the first division.
Ron was amazing
that day, scoring 4 goals including a penalty (I believe), in a
6 - 2 drubbing which saw Villa
depart the First Division after a long time there. From thereon
I always looked to see Ron play. Watching as he
hung in the air like a kite waiting for that expert cross from his
fellow assassins John Sydenham and Terry Paine.
With the crowd yelling 'Give it to Ron!' it must have made older
people remember the 'Up the middle to Charlie'
shout that used to ring round that beloved Dell.
Ron seemed
like a giant to me at the time. He indeed is still a giant to me.
I regularly
go to Youtube to type in his name and watch his demolition of Man
Utd with another four goal haul. To
see his modesty when interviewed by the late Brian Moore.
"His
name is Ronnie Davies he's the leader of the team, He's the greatest
center forward thet the world has ever seen"
As a fan
when you sing these songs you know that people could argue the point
all day, but Ron? He WAS the best.
Ron Davies
could fly. (FACT as we say on TSF)
Thanks Ron
for some wonderful memories which remain as bright as that day when
we beat Villa 6 - 2!
Andy Lombardi,
Eastleigh
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When I was
a young lad we would play football over the park (swaythling) but
the 1st 10 minutes was spent arguing who would be RON DAVIES.We
all wanted to be number the 9.I spent many years watching Big Ron
at the dell and all over England.
They say
Matt le Tiss kept us in the premier league, we'll Ron was doing
that for saints 30 years earlier in the 1st division.He would regularly
score 20 -30 goals a season, he was so majestic in the air,a true
saints legend.I was at old Trafford with about 100 other saints
fan when he hit those four goals,a memory that will live for ever.
"His
name is Ronny Davies, the leader of the team,the greatest centre
forward that Matt Busby ever seen,you always can relies on him to
score the vital goal and as for *********** " ,sang that song
so many times in my day.
Best Wishes
Ron, hope the op goes well.
Thanks for the memory
Brian (54 year old saints fan ,now in Australia)
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As a lad
I used to stand behind the goal at the Archers Road end and I have
several fond memories of Ron but one against Derby County in 1970
epitomises his superiority in the air . First I must admit that
their keeper , Les Green , was not the tallest . However having
scored one header from a corner Ron made his way into the box for
a Terry Paine free kick . Green looked at Ron who smiled back and
then proceded to start laughing . As the ball came in Ron ,still
chuckling , lept a full foot higher that the keepers' hands to head
home the second goal. No gloating though , just a quick shake of
Paine's hand and an amble back to the halfway line . A legend ,a
gentleman and deserving of our help in his time of need .
Ted Hart,
WInchester
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I was so
touched to hear about my childhood GOD. Ron Davies gave me so much
pride to be a saints fan as a kid. All my friends supported the
big clubs like Man U and Spurs. But they never had a Ron Davies
in his prime. Ron was so loyal to saints and the fans. This should
never be forgotten. If it was not for Ron, saints would not have
survived the top division for so many years.
I remember that song:
His name is Ronny Davies he`s the leader of our team.
The greatest centre forward that the world as ever seen.
You always can rely on him to score the vital goal.
And as for ( which ever team / player ) you can stick them up your
hole.
Thankyou Ron for so much pleasure.
Tim Queripel, Wimborne Dorset
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As
a Saints follower and ex Sotonian, I am writing to you during my
lunch break and would like to thank you and your colleagues for
taking up the mantle of running the website to help Ron.
When I was
a young man he was an absolute hero for me and my girlfriend and
I still recall wondering at the time, if there was anything that
I could do to repay the sense of pride that he gave me turning out
for Saints - thinking that the opportunity would never occur - but
it has.
As well as
watching him play, I saw him around some of the night spots in Southampton
but I was too much in awe to speak to him. This was overcome many
years later when I met him socially at a Solent Stars "after
game do" in Lodge Road and found him to be most down to earth
and approachable.
Dear Ron
obviously the people of Southampton will not let you be forgotten
and it will be an honour to contribute to the fund.
I hope that
this is not patronising of the great man.
John Nicholl,
Southampton
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As
a teenager I watched the great man play for my team, the Canaries.
Like the Soton fans, I can still close my eyes and see him outjumping
the centre half (any centre half) and deliver the perfect header.
Unfortunately, our team was pretty average and it seemed to get
to the point where Ron was only going to get a decent cross if he
put the centre over himself! Good luck with the appeal.
Paul Barnard,
Norwich
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Though
aged only 33 i'm to young to have seen Ron in action but am most
aware of his iconic status amongst the saints faithful and sure
that his wonderful contribution won't go un-noticed by the clubs
current following. 37 top flight league goals in one season and
still a record, quite amazing.
Alan Browning,
Eastleigh.
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Before
joining Southampton in 1966 Ron Davies was arguably Norwich City's
finest ever centre forward and certainly the best ever header of
a ball. After scoring four goals for Luton Town against Norwich
when the then City player-manager, Ron Ashman, was at centre-half
Davies was signed by The Canaries in September 1963 for a then record
transfer fee of £35,000.
Over the next three seasons he went on to score 59 League goals
in 113 matches before joining Southampton and one goal in particular
sticks in my memory. Norwich were playing Leeds United in the old
second division and Leeds who were challenging for promotion had
just signed the Middlesborough and England centre forward Alan Peacock.
With about twenty minutes to go Leeds were leading 2-0 and Revie
ran on to the pitch to embrace his team but then Davies struck.
His first goal was a header from a cross from the left and then
with only a few minutes left Phil Kelly the right back hit a long
ball up to Ron on the edge of the Leeds penalty area. He was facing
his own goal but he took the ball on his chest, half turned to his
right and as it dropped he hit it on the volley with his left foot
past Gary Sprake into the top of the net.
Sprake didn't move and Ashman was quoted as saying afterwards "And
there was I, invading the pitch just like Revie. It was the best
I shall ever see." Sadly Norwich weren't good enough to get
out of the Division and Davies moved on - to the first division
and a glittering career on the south coast.
Martin Braybrook
Cromer
Norfolk
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Im
now 52 years of age and have followed the Saints since I was in
my teens.
I have seen
many players play for Sints over the years but the one the sticks
out above all others is Ron Davies. I saw him score many goals that
were provided by Terry Paine and John Sydenham.
He had something
special in that he could leap above defenders and score goals in
an era when the centre halves were extremely physical.
He has provided many years of pleasure watching the Saints and his
goal scoring record in a season will never be surpassed.
For those
that didn't have the pleasure of seeing him play in the flesh -
then buy a CD of his goals - he is a true Saints hero in my eyes.
Richard West,
Southampton
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I
was too young to see Ron play myself but my Dad talks about him
with the same awe and respect that I have for Matt Le Tissier. Every
generation has their own hero and Ron belongs to my Dad's. When
I listen to the love, gratitude and admiration contained in what
other Saints fans say, I know how lucky we were to have both the
man and the player. I hope everything works out for Ron, and it
would be great to see him walk out on to the St Mary's pitch following
successful operations so we can all say "thank you".
Steve Fox, Chippenham
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My
Father used to take me to the Dell regularly in my early days when
I was a young nipper. I started going when I was about 7 in 1969
and Dad used to plonk me on a stool by the wall under the West Stand.
I remember a lot about those days and can vividly remember Ron leaping
like a salmon to reach Terry Paine's crosses. There were big crowds
and we were all packed in like sardines, especially for the Leeds
and Man U matches. But one vivid memory was the shocking rumour
that Ron was being paid the massive sum of a hundred quid a week.
Can you imagine? He was always referred to as Big Ron, but in actual
fact he wasn't overly tall at around six feet. I still have all
my programmes from the 60's and 70's so I'll explain to my son who
Big Ron was when he is old enough. I now live in Finland, but the
imagine of Ron, Terry Paine, Micky Channon and many others from
that time is still fresh in my mind. Thanks for the goals Ron, and
I wish you a pain free and happy retirement. Hopefully we will see
you walk out onto the pitch at St. Mary's very soon....now that
would be special! Oh, and I met Ron once in the changing rooms at
the Dell. I was given a guided tour on a match day and I still have
his autograph. Happy days!
Phil Holditch Jyvaskyla, Finland.
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As
a midland Saint for nearly 50 years now, Ron was my favourite player,
a true professional who always gave 100%. He was a gentleman with
integrity and commitment. Many of the games I saw were away from
home and my fondest memories are of him holding the ball with his
back to the goal and never wasting a pass.
Passing
and moving time and time again just waiting for that one moment
when he would get the ball back in the air – the rest is history.
What I really liked about Ron was that with him in the team no matter
how difficult the game or badly we were playing, it only took one
set piece and we were back in the game.
Ron,
if you do read this please get well. I wish you much health and
happiness in the future. Those old photos of you hanging in the
air have given me a real flutter in my tummy again. I am sorry about
the circumstances but so grateful that I have the opportunity to
tell you how much pleasure you gave both me and my late Father.
Take
care
Ken
Saint – Stafford England
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Hi
Duncan
What
a splendid cause you have embraced! I used to live just down the
road from you in Compton, bought In That Number (for me, my best
mate Dave Iddiols and his brother John) - I am number 174. I am
now living in New Zealand, so mine may be the donation from furthest
away!
Like
you, I also went to Peter Symonds' when it was a grammar school,
and often spent lessons writing out Saints teams in my rough book!
We should be looking to raise £100,000 not £10,000 so
we can pay for both hips and a comfortable retirement - we cannot
let Ron Davies live in a bloody mobile home (or RV as they call
it in the US). This campaign reminds me of the community that SFC
used to be, before the owners and playing squad became short term
hirees looking only for the quick buck, so good on you, as we say
over here.
My
memories of Ron are so many - my first game, aged 13, on the Milton
Road, November 1966, losing 2-1 to Man Utd, Charlton both for them
and Ron for us. I was also there for hat tricks later that season
vs Leicester (with Gordon Banks in goal) and in the last game vs
Villa. Although I was not there, the 4 goals away to Chelsea and
Man Utd gave me such a thrill. I also recall a Fairs Cup match (Rosenburg?)
- 1-0 down at HT, Ron came on as sub although injured and the crowd's
emotion turned it around to 2-1. One of his greatest displays was
in a 2-1 defeat at home to Stoke, when Banks (who by then had moved)
singlehandedly defied him - even though Saints lost, I knew even
as a teenager that I had seen two absolutely fantastic players in
direct opposition.
I
went to Israel to a kibbutz for 3 months in my gap year - so fashionable
now, so unfashionable then and I know Jake (Ashurst, Symonds' head,
did not approve), from Jan to April 1972, during which we got thrashed
infamously 7-0 at Leeds (I saw it on Israeli TV!), and Ron was dropped
towards the end of that time. We were deep in relegation mire when
I got back, Ron was recalled for the visit to Palace, and 7 pints
in the Palace supporters club later we had won 3-2. This was followed
by a home fixture with Man City, including newly signed Rodney Marsh,
and two classic Ron goals - header and shot - got the points and
helped us avoid the drop.
What
also struck me about Ron later was his love for playing the game
at whatever level - in the late 70's he played for Dorchester, so
my mates and I went on a pilgrimage to see him play at Salisbury
(1-1 draw?), then later he played Sunday morning football in Winchester
for the White Horse Ampfield. The last time I saw him was the morning
after we lost to Everton in the FA Cup semi final 1984 - I was playing
at Stoneham Lane, and after the game leaving the changing rooms
I literally bumped into Ron who had been playing on another pitch
(he must have been early 40s then), we had a brief discussion about
Saints bad luck the day before and moved on.
To
finish off, well done again for helping to get this going. Make
sure you use the national press and the likes of Radio 5live to
publicise it - its a great story in these mercenary, short term
footballing times. Hopefully there will be enough left to fly him
and his wife home, show him where the Dell used to be and show him
round St Marys, although not sure what he would make of the present
lot. If there is to be a reunion of that team of the late 60s, better
warn the local publicans in advance!
Best
regards Richard Trussler, New Zealand
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I
remember like it was yesterday the fantastic heading ability of
Ron (The King.)
I started going to the Dell when I was 10 and used to get the train
from Eastleigh station with my friends.We used to make a day of
it and would leave home at 10.30 in the morning and have a packed
lunch which was eaten by the time we got to the ground.
Our ritual would start by walking from Southampton Train station
to the ground and arriving about 12.30,we would mill around the
players entrance and make a total nusience of ourselves waiting
for the players to arrive.
The biggest thrill was seeing Ron drive in ,park his Jag and go
to the front door where we all pestered him for his autograph,we
would then go to the Archers road end and line up to pay our two
bob to get into the ground.
Once inside Me Rob Drage,John Strode and 4 or 5 others whos names
escape me used to have 2 bob on the player to score firse and "that
" season Ron I won nearly every week!!!
We were all mad Ron fans and I honestly believe that there has never
been or will be a better header of the ball.
I remember distinctly one game against Man City when Terry Paine
switched wings and went down the left hand side (going towards the
Archers road) he slung over a typical Elvis cross and Ron, who was
about 2 yards outside the penalty area,met it with his head.
Joe Corrigan didnt even move as the ball rocketed past him and stuck
in the stanchion, the crowd were silent for about 2 seconds as nobody
realised what had happened.Saints won the game 1-0.
Ron you have given me so many fantastic memories that your Ledgend
lives on, my boys know all about you and often ask me what it was
like to watch you.
My answer is always the same UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! THE BEST EVER
THANKS RON FOR THE MEMORIES
Richard Clarke, Westport, Somerset
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Ron
Davies was my schoolboy hero, every home game my friend and I would
turn up at Dell car park hours before kick off hoping to get a glimpse
and autograph of our hero.
He not only scored 4 goals at Old Trafford, he also got 4 great
goals at Stamford Bridge, beating Chelsea 6-2.
Oh, how i would love to buy Ron a pint now and talk about the good
old days when footballers weren't prima donnas' and played with
heart and passion for their club!
Dennis
Robinson from Salisbury
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I
was fifteen when Ron signed for the Saints and a regular behind
the goal at the Milton Road end. I can still picture John Sydenham
racing past the full back (always on the outside) and crossing the
ball to Ron who always seemed to be the first off the ground and
the last back onto it. These were the days before strict segregation
of fans and we usually shared the terraces with away fans who were
expecting to see our 'small club' put in its place. Ron's goals
meant that it seldom happened. He filled us with pride and gave
us the belief that we could hold our own amongst the big boys. The
golden years started with Ron - wouldn't it be marvellous if the
great man was there with us, fully restored to health, on the day
we return?
Lindsay
Hebditch, Newmarket
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Ron
Davies was the finest header of a ball in the history of the game.
He was simply the best! There was no finer sight than seeing Big
Ron hang in the air for what seemed forever, then bullet a header
into the net or direct it to the feet of the mercurial Terry Paine
who provided so many pin-point crosses for the Welshman to score.
What magical moments! It was a privelege to see Ron play, thanks
for those special memories!
Kevin
Foster
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Ron
and I met at Kelsterton College in Flint (N.Wales) when he was an
aspiring youngster at Chester. I was in awe of him, being the first
ever footballer I had ever
spoken to. I think he was studying Art on his day release.
It
was never in doubt that he would go onto bigger and better things.
I still support Chester although Man Utd was the first match I ever
went to at the age of 11.
I've
asked numerous people in the game, over the years, if they knew
Ron's whereabouts without success, although the States was mentioned
somewhere down the line. I even asked the legendry Mick Channon.
We are separated in age by one majestic year. The pleasure Ron gave
me and countless others cannot be overestimated.
I
do hope the fund successfully brings you about as near to full health
as possible and if you do ever come back home it would be just fantastic
to meet up again.
Be
lucky and on behalf of all Chester City fans, a speedy recovery.
Sincere regards Roger Glanville, Chester
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Ron
Davies, a true legend in every sense of the word. We have had some
great center forwards over the years, with Ron being up there with
the best, if not the best. I’ve never seen a better header of a
ball in my time, and I have supported saints for over 40 years.
There have been so many great goals to recall, but the match against
Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 1967 sticks in my mind, with Ron scoring
four goals in a 6-2 win. Chelsea had a good team with the likes
of Ossie, Baldwin, Harris, Bonetti etc. But Ron ran them ragged.
I was standing just opposite the shed end and remember the Chelsea
fans being in shock three down in 30 mins. If I recall, Ron could
well have had six or seven that day, so much was his dominance.
What a player, what price would he be worth today…. Priceless! I
hope the Saints fans can support the great man in his hour of need,
he gave me and thousands of others so much enjoyment in his time
at Southampton, and it seems a small price to pay for a man who
gave so much for Southampton F.C.
‘Ron
Davies, there’s only one Ronnie Davies etc etc’
All
The best Ron!, You’re simply the best! Shaun Grant
