Tributes paid to former Wolves goalkeeper Fred Davies
Tributes have been paid to ‘true gentleman’ Fred Davies following the former Wolves goalkeeper’s death, aged 81.
Davies – mentored by Molineux legend Bert Williams – was a mainstay during the 1960s and helped the club to promotion from the Second Division as runners-up in 1966/67.
Phil Parkes was the one who succeeded him between the sticks in gold and black, and he said: “We trained together and Fred was very good to me, a good mentor.
“We had a good relationship and there was always that competitive edge in training.
“He would always give me lots of tips.
“Fred was a good centre forward as well, I believe. I’m sure he played centre forward in the RAF and had a couple of games up front for us for Los Angeles Wolves in 1967.
“You learn from those sorts of people.
“You’re always looking to pick their brains.
“Some people think if you’re competing for that spot, you may not get on that well, but me and Fred always did. We all did.”
After making 156 league appearances for Wolves, Davies went on to play for Cardiff and Bournemouth.
He then went into management, serving as John Bond’s assistant at Norwich and then, most notably, guiding Shrewsbury to Third Division glory in 1994.
“He only lived in Telford, Fred, and we used to have our golf days which he’d come along to,” said Parkes.
“The last time I saw him was probably around 15 months ago.
“We’ve got a really good former players’ association, so we all stay in touch and reminisce. Unfortunately, there’s not many of us left from that era now.”
Davies passed away earlier this week after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 18 months ago.
Allison Starling, Davies’ partner of 15 years, said: “Fred was very proud to be part of Wolves at the pinnacle of his career and still have that connection with the club, albeit very limited since his diagnosis.
“He was a very proud man who loved football and had a love of life which belied his 81 years.
“He was the love of my life and a true gentleman.
“He was a man of great stature who leaves behind a true legacy and loving family.”
Wolves passed on their condolences to Davies’ friends and family.
