Wales and Newcastle United legend dubbed 'the footballer who could fly' has died

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A Welsh football legend from North Wales idolised by fans at several top clubs has died. Wyn Davies started life as quarryman in Llanberis but went on to become a hero at clubs like Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers where he terrorised opposition defences.

Playing more than 550 football league games he was renowned for his ability in the air and nicknamed 'Wyn the Leap'. He was also given the moniker of the 'footballer who could fly' as fans said his leaping powers bordered on levitation.

This week his family announced the former Welsh international with 34 caps for his country had passed away at the age of 83.

Nephew James Davies said it was with "deep sadness" the family were announcing the death of his uncle.

He said that despite his incredible career he remained a very "humble" man who always had time for fans, whether it was to sign autographs or talk about his career and many footballing tales.

Kasey Allsup added: "Rest in peace, Uncle Ronald Wyn Davies. A Welsh legend, and our family’s pride. You’ll be missed more than words can say. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the love."

Wyn was born in Caernarfon in 1942, brother to David George and Norman Davies. As a teenager he worked the slate mines in Llanberis while playing for a youth side in the village.

His potential was quickly spotted and he was snapped up by Caernarfon Town in 1959 before moving on to Wrexham AFC in 1960, then playing in the fourth tier of English football.

This was followed by a move to Bolton Wanderers in 1962 - taking him to the top division. It was initially a culture shock for the first language Welsh speaker as he couldn't speak English particularly well. But he soon established himself as a fan favourite - scoring 66 goals in 155 appearances for the Lancashire club.

His feats attracted the attention of elite clubs and Wyn the Leap became Newcastle United's record signing when he joined the club for £80,000 in October 1966.

Arguably, his finest hour was at Newcastle where, between 1966 and 1971, he notched 40 goals and won the Fairs Cup, the forerunner of the Uefa Cup, now the Europa League.

He became a legend in the north east - with England and Manchester United great Bryan Robson, a Newcastle fan, calling him his "childhood hero". When Robson appeared on This Is Your Life, Wyn was one of his special surprise guests. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

Speaking to the Daily Post in 2018, Wyn said: "They still sing the song to me that they used to sing on the terraces: 'Come all without, come all within, you've not seen nothing like the Mighty Wyn' (sung to the tune of Manfred Mann's the Mighty Quinn)."

He says his biggest regret was never winning the FA Cup at Wembley. The striker went on to play for both Manchester City and Manchester United before stints at Blackpool, Stockport, Crewe and Bangor. His final club was Cape Town City in South Africa, where he played in 1979 before retiring.

He scored six goals for his country in 34 appearances - playing his final game against Poland in 1973.

At the end of his career he settled in Bolton and worked at Warburtons. But he never forgot his roots or culture and apparently remained an avid fan of Welsh language soap Pobl y Cwm.

He was recognised in his home town in 2018 when a plaque was unveiled at his first address on Maes Barcer in Caernarfon.

(Image: Richard Birch)

A special ceremony took place at The Oval stadium ahead of Caernarfon Town's game against Llanelli.

He told the Daily Post: "It was great of them to do this for me. I was a bit nervous about it, but it was very humbling. There were many other good players to come out of Caernarfon, not just me. I am very grateful."

Following his passing, the FAW said: "The Football Association of Wales is sad to learn of the passing of former Cymru forward Wyn Davies. The thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with the family and friends of Wyn Davies during this difficult time.”

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