Former Swansea defender dies aged 49 while playing veterans’ match

Former Swansea City star Mark Davies has tragically died while playing in a veterans’ football match aged just 49.

Davies was in action for Llanelli on Sunday in their Wales Veterans Over-45s Cup final clash against Penybont in Cardiff when he passed away. The former defender had previously played as a defender for Swansea and featured in their European Cup Winners’ Cup tie against Monaco in 1991.

He featured in the second leg of the tie against Monaco, which saw Swansea hammered 8-0 by a side managed by Arsene Wenger. And tributes have now flooded in for Davies, who went on to make one league appearance for Swansea.

Llanelli Town wrote on Twitter: "It devastates us to announce the untimely death of our veterans, reserve team player and friend Mr Mark Davies.

"Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts go to Mark's family at this sad time. Mark passed away playing the game that he loved and graced for many years in this area.

"Mark will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Mark was a truly lovely guy, a gentleman on and off the field."

Davies was a member of Swansea's West Wales Senior Cup-winning squad before signing a professional contract in July 1991. He eventually left the Swans for non-league side Merthyr Tydfil in 1992, with the official club website stating he had to "give up football because of a medical condition, briefly resuming with Llanelli".

A Swansea spokesperson said: "Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Davies. Our thoughts and condolences are with Mark's family and friends at this sad time.

"Mark passed away playing the game that he loved and graced for many years in this area. Mark will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Mark was a truly lovely guy, a gentleman on and off the field."

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