FORMER WALES KEEPER DAI IN CANCER BATTLE
FORMER Wales and Swansea City goalkeeper Dai Davies has terminal cancer.
Davies’ close family took to social media to share the news that he has pancreatic cancer and is currently being treated at Wrexham’s Nightingale House Hospice.
His time on the pitch is remembered fondly by Welsh football fans of a certain vintage, with the former keeper having enjoyed a distinguished career in which he played top-flight football for both Swansea and Everton, as well as turning out for Wrexham, Tranmere Rovers and Bangor City.
The Glanaman-raised keeper, 72, spent three spells with the Swans. His early promise at the Vetch saw him earn a move to then-champions Everton in 1970. He returned to south Wales on loan in 1974, before coming back to the Vetch in 1981 following a stint at Wrexham.
He also earned 52 caps for the Welsh national team between 1975 and 1982, a record number of appearances for a goalkeeper until that feat was surpassed by the great Neville Southall.
Now, Davies’ loved ones have asked fans and wellwishers to share their favourite stories of him.
“Dad [Dai Davies] has had exceptional care at the Royal Hospital Liverpool recently after being diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas,” a social media post from his daughter read.
“Gareth, Rhian and myself are now able to see him daily as he has been transferred to Nightingale House, Wrexham.
“It would be nice to be able to share memories and stories with him. If you’d like to send Dai a message, then please send to our private email address: daisaveswales@gmail.com.”
Off the pitch Davies also thrived. He was the first footballer to become a member of the Gorsedd of Bards, at the 1978 National Eisteddfod in Cardiff.
When he retired from the game in 1984 he opened a book and craft shop in Mold, but was called out of retirement a year later to play for Bangor, for whom he famously saved a penalty in a European Cup Winners’ Cup tie at Atletico Madrid.
He later became a teacher, ran a natural health clinic in Llangollen and featured regularly as a football pundit for Welsh-language outlets.