An "absolute gentleman" and "real football man" has died aged 49 after collapsing while playing the sport he loved.
Mark Davies had turned out for Llanelli Town AFC's Veterans side in the over-45s Cup Final against Penybont FC in Cardiff on Sunday, May 15, but collapsed during the game. Emergency services were called and he received medical attention but was declared dead at the scene.
Tributes have poured in for the popular player and former Swansea City defender, who had the pleasure of marking George Weah - who was crowned the world's best player by FIFA in 1995 - when the Swans faced AS Monaco in the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1991. A fund has also been set up for his family - which you can donate to here.
"It devastates us to announce the untimely death of our Veterans, reserve team player and friend Mr Mark Davies," Llanelli Town AFC said in a statement issued on Monday. "Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts go to Marks' family at this sad time.
"Sadly, Mark passed away playing the game that he loved and graced for many years in this area. Mark also played for many years for Dafen AFC and our thoughts also go to his friends there. Mark will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Mark was a truly lovely guy, a gentleman on and off the field. RIP Mark".
Llanelli Town AFC Veterans said: "Heartbroken to announce we have lost an absolute gentleman on and off the pitch. A real football man who looked after all around him with passion and love for the game unrivalled. Thoughts are with Mark Davies’ family at this tragic time".
"Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Davies," a club spokesperson said. "Our thoughts and condolences are with Mark's family and friends at this sad time."
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "Shortly after 3.40pm on Sunday, May 15, emergency services responded to a call following a report that a man had collapsed near Lawrenny Avenue in Canton. The 49-year-old man was playing football. Police Community Support Officers and paramedics were at scene and commenced CPR. However, despite their efforts, the man was declared deceased. HM Coroner has been informed."
A spokesperson for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 3.27pm yesterday, Sunday 15 May to reports of a medical emergency on Leckwith Road in the Canton area of Cardiff. We attended scene with an emergency care doctor and two emergency ambulance crews. No further details are available."
Davies was a member of Swansea's West Wales Senior Cup-winning squad before signing a professional contract in July 1991. Two months later he was making his debut against Monaco in the European Cup Winners' Cup, featuring in the 8-0 second-leg loss to Arsene Wenger's team. Davies made his sole league appearance for the Swans that same season and then joined Merthyr Tydfil in August 1992. According to Swansea's club website, he then had to "give up football because of a medical condition, briefly resuming with Llanelli".
Mr Davies was also a key figure for nearby Dafen Welfare AFC, for whom he had two spells and also managed. Club secretary Paul Clement said on the club's website: "Our thoughts are with Mark's children, friends and family. He was a massive force within our club in his time here. A captain, a leader. Our captain, our leader. Most importantly a really nice guy and a friend. Mark had two spells at Dafen. His first was cut short through illness. He battled back from this and some injury set-backs to return to play with the club. Mark had a presence on the pitch and played a huge part in our West Wales Intermediate Cup win in 2012. As a manager he also had two spells and he led us to the TG Davies Cup in 2014. On stepping down he continued to play for the Reserves until a few seasons ago, when deciding to concentrate on Veterans football at Llanelli AFC. He was a Swan, then became a Dafen Bluebird. Mark it was a privilege, we'll miss you. x".
Penybont FC, Llanelli's opponents on Sunday, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Llanelli Town Veterans player, Mark Davies, who sadly passed away following the Wales Vets Cup Final. Rest in peace Mark."
Llanelli's reserves fixtures against Pontardawe Town on Wednesday has been postponed to May 24 as a mark of respect.
Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: "We are devastated to hear this - Mark was a football person and a Cymru supporter. May he Rest In Peace - from all at the FAW".
