Ledbury Town Football Club has paid tribute to an influential former player following his death.

Fond memories have been shared of Robert ‘Sticky’ Davis, who represented Town with distinction in the 1960s and 70s.

And the club’s current first team took part in a minute’s applause before their recent pre-season friendly with Tuffley Rovers, at the same New Road ground once graced by Mr Davis.

Former Ledbury Town chairman John Preedy said ‘Sticky’ was known for his calm and controlled demeanour on the pitch just as much as his footballing talent.

Malvern Gazette: Ledbury Town and Tuffley Rovers pay their respects to Robert DavisLedbury Town and Tuffley Rovers pay their respects to Robert Davis

“Rob was probably one of the most gifted players Ledbury ever had,” he said. “I always believed he was years ahead of his time, in particular being a dead-ball specialist, and on today’s pitches with the current weight of balls, he would have been in his element.

“He was never booked for fouling, and to my knowledge was never sent off. There are many people in Ledbury whom he taught while playing football with them at the Recreation Ground, and because of him, they went on to become better players. 

'One of my heroes'

“Another thing that stood out, especially back in those days was that ‘Sticky’ never drank alcohol, so he was always as fit as a fiddle – especially on a Saturday when a few of us were a little worse for wear after a Friday night.”

Malvern Gazette: Robert Davis is on the back row, fourth from the left, in this team photo from 1974, with Ian Colwell to his rightRobert Davis is on the back row, fourth from the left, in this team photo from 1974, with Ian Colwell to his right

One of Ledbury’s first semi-professional footballers, Mr Davis also played five-a-side football against local sides. 

Ian Colwell was a team-mate of Mr Davis during the early 70s when the senior Town side were under the management of Bob Pullen. 

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He said: “Even though I only played with Rob for three years, to me he was the main man and one of my heroes; playing matches alongside him were dreams realised. 

Malvern Gazette: Ledbury's current first team take part in a minute's applause for Robert DavisLedbury's current first team take part in a minute's applause for Robert Davis

“One of my fondest memories was when we played a Midlands match against higher-division Bromsgrove.

“Before the game, he jumped up and swung on the crossbar, which left the home crowd calling us ‘farmers’ and ‘yokels’ – he swiftly went on to destroy the opposition during the match and gave us a memorable win.” 

Mr Davis’s son Neil has himself been involved with Ledbury Town as both player and supporter, and now cheers on his own son Kai, who plays for the club’s reserves and Swifts sides.