Mike Davies (footballer)

Michael John Davies (born 19 January 1966) is an English former professional footballer. He spent the entirety of his eleven-year playing career with Blackpool, for whom he became a coach after his retirement from playing in 1995. He was also their joint temporary manager with Mick Hennigan between December 1999 and January 2000.

Playing career

Born in Stretford, Lancashire, and nicknamed ''Ginge'', Davies was a successful product of Blackpool's youth department, and made over 300 appearances for ''the Seasiders''. He made his debut in May 1984 in a home win over Halifax Town.

Initially a right winger, he won a regular place in the team, replacing Ian Britton and forming a partnership with John Deary. Under Sam Ellis' guidance, Davies continued to play on the wide right for the next few seasons, scoring important goals that helped the team to promotion.

On 29 March 1986, Davies, a 27th-minute substitute, scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Rotherham United at Bloomfield Road. The goal was greeted by "roars of acclaim" that were "a fickle contrast to the boos that greeted Davies' arrival off the subs' bench."

During the 1987–88 season, Davies was moved to the full back position, prompted by the arrival of Tony Cunningham, a move he adapted well to – so much so that the Blackpool supporters voted him the club's Player of the Year.

"A fast, tricky player with tremendous commitment, the flame-haired terrier often found himself in trouble with over-zealous referees, who didn't always appreciate his approach," wrote Roy Calley in his 1992 book, '' Blackpool: A Complete Record 1887–1992''. "One feels that if every man to have worn a Blackpool shirt over the years had showed as much commitment to the cause as Mike Davies, then ''the Seasiders'' would never have fallen from grace."Calley, Roy: ''Blackpool: A Complete Record 1887–1992'', Breedon Books Sport, 1992.

Blackpool F.C. Hall of Fame

Davies was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Bloomfield Road, when it was officially opened by former Blackpool player Jimmy Armfield in April 2006. Organised by the Blackpool Supporters Association, Blackpool fans around the world voted on their all-time heroes. Five players from each decade are inducted; Davies is in the 1980s.

Post-retirement

After he retired from playing, Davies remained on the Fylde coast, becoming a coach with Blackpool. Then also became a care worker in Blackpool.

Honours

Blackpool
* Division Four play-off: 1991–92
* Lancashire Cup: 1993–94, 1994–95

See also

* One-club man

References

Further reading

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External links

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Davies pays tribute to Billy Ayre

{{DEFAULTSORT:Davies, Mike
1966 births
Living people
People from Stretford
English footballers
Footballers from Greater Manchester
Association football defenders
English Football League players
Blackpool F.C. players
English football managers
Blackpool F.C. managers
Blackpool F.C. non-playing staff