***Big Ron Davies Update***

[Lymsaint]

So sad for Ron the greatest CF of his day and the best ever at Saints, my condolences on his loss of Chris and thanks to Tim for staying close to him.

[Master Bates]

Any chance of bringing him back for a game?

 

Or even bringing him back home for good.

[Seaford Saint]

Sad news indeed. We all keep talking about Ron getting him across etc but can we actually get round and do something. Flowers at the funeral for a start. £50 from me towards them....another £100 from me towards anything else that some one comes up with such as getting him across here for a holiday.

 

Well? Is anyone able to organise this?

 

To all those on here too young to have seen him play he was fantastic. How he cheered me up al those years ago.

[Master Bates]

Sad news indeed. We all keep talking about Ron getting him across etc but can we actually get round and do something. Flowers at the funeral for a start. £50 from me towards them....another £100 from me towards anything else that some one comes up with such as getting him across here for a holiday.

 

Well? Is anyone able to organise this?

 

To all those on here too young to have seen him play he was fantastic. How he cheered me up al those years ago.

 

I tried making a group on facebook titled "Come home Big Ron Davies", but unfortunately i've been unsuccessful. Anyone else fancy trying for me?

 

Cheers

[solentstars]

Condolences to Ron,sorry to hear about the loss of his wife chris r.i.p

[ottery st mary]

My thoughts are with Ron at this sad time. RIP Chris........Heartbreaking for Big Ron.

 

Puts so much into perspective.

 

Tim...As stated.. like many others....I would like to help in the future....ie GITR etc.

[Viking Warrior]

What Tragic news my Condolences to Ron and family r.i.p chris

 

I can still see Ron Towering above the Newcastle defence in the Texaco cup

I have never seen anybody soar so high and connect his head perfectly to the ball

 

God Bless

[Toomer]

Or even bringing him back home for good.

 

MB I think Ron will want stay on the other side of the pond so that he can always be close to the love of his life.

[Marino]

Tragic news, Ron. We are all thinking of you at this time.

[Give it to Ron]

Terrible news and my most sincerest condolesces to you Big Ron.

 

You gave us all so much pleasure and I can remember the day I sat opposite you on the train coming back from Portsmouth as a wide-eyed gobsmacked ten year old. You wore the biggest sovereign ring I had ever seen.

The word legend is far over-used in football but it goes nowhere near far enough to describe how much we think of you.

[swisscottager]

I used to go round to Rons house in Pirie Close in Shirley when he was at the height of his fame.Didnt want his autograph but we wanted to see his boots for some bizarre reason. His wife Chris was always brilliant and would make him come to the door and say hello. If we were lucky he would bring a boot! Crazy things you do when you are a lad.

They were really genuine people who never made a fuss about what a real star Big Ron was.. To this day the only song that always comes to mind when I think of Saints is 'bless them all.., bless them all... Ron Davies,Mick Channon..Frank Saul!.."

Really appropiate right now

[dronskisaint]

Sad news indeed - please pass on another fan's condolences on his loss.

 

So many memories of someone who has never been bettered in the art of 'hanging' in the air to head the ball...usually goalward - 'Sha-la-la-la Ron Davies' is the chant I remember to the tune of the Manfred Mann song.

[spain saint]

Such sad news. My families thoughts are with you. Keep your head up Big

Ron and please come back for a game, I would fly over to see that!

[brianoneils slidingtackle]

Really feel for Ron, my thoughts are with him.

 

What a player Ron was, it would be great to see him at St Marys to get the applause from the Saints fans that he deserves. I consider myself very lucky to have watched him play at a time when footballers werent the overpaid stars they are now.

[Saint Fan CaM]

Such sad news - huge lump in me throat - best wishes Big Ron...you'll always be one of my boyhood heroes. RIP Chris. I echo all those who would love to welcome Ron home to SMS...for one game or for the rest of his life. There's more than enough love and goodwill here for him to last him two lifetimes. I'm sure there would be few dry eyes left in the stadium to see him alongside Markus and the whole ground singing "There's only one Big Ron Davies".

[Seaford Saint]

Such sad news - huge lump in me throat - best wishes Big Ron...you'll always be one of my boyhood heroes. RIP Chris. I echo all those who would love to welcome Ron home to SMS...for one game or for the rest of his life. There's more than enough love and goodwill here for him to last him two lifetimes. I'm sure there would be few dry eyes left in the stadium to see him alongside Markus and the whole ground singing "There's only one Big Ron Davies".

 

Who is going to make this happen?

[carriage and wagon]

That day at Old Trafford was my greatest childhood memory. My thoughts are with you both at this most difficult time.

[Northam Girls]

I tried making a group on facebook titled "Come home Big Ron Davies", but unfortunately i've been unsuccessful. Anyone else fancy trying for me?

 

Cheers

 

MB - try looking at "Good wishes for Ron Davis" on FB :-)

[OldNick]

my greatest footballing hero. Sadness is not a word that can explain my feelings today.

[Thedelldays]

right....

 

if I ran this place (sorry if it has been suggested)

 

I would do a couple of things....

 

a) set up a donation thing for flowers at the funeral from SWF..

 

b) set up another donation thing to get ron over for a game and let him be guest of honour at the club...maybe we donate and ask the club to make the rest up..

 

Ron is before my time but reading this he is obviously a proper saints legend...up there with bates, mcmenemy, channon and MLT...for saints, he is in very illustrious company and for that he deserves to be treated like a king for a day at sms...maybe get clips of his past on the screens at half time rather than watching two fat blokes trying to kick an over sized beachball into an open goal..

 

IMO, this has to happen, we talk about how much of a 'family club' we are...well lets show it and between saints fans AND the club...lets pay our respects and get him over here (should he want to of course)

[TijuanaTim]

right....

 

if I ran this place (sorry if it has been suggested)

 

I would do a couple of things....

 

a) set up a donation thing for flowers at the funeral from SWF..

 

b) set up another donation thing to get ron over for a game and let him be guest of honour at the club...maybe we donate and ask the club to make the rest up..

 

Ron is before my time but reading this he is obviously a proper saints legend...up there with bates, mcmenemy, channon and MLT...for saints, he is in very illustrious company and for that he deserves to be treated like a king for a day at sms...maybe get clips of his past on the screens at half time rather than watching two fat blokes trying to kick an over sized beachball into an open goal..

 

IMO, this has to happen, we talk about how much of a 'family club' we are...well lets show it and between saints fans AND the club...lets pay our respects and get him over here (should he want to of course)

 

 

Everyone's sentiments are hugely appreciated and the flowers etc are thoughtful ideas. However the ceremony took place early this week, Ron has little if any room for arrangements etc.

 

So please keep the memories coming as these are much more practical, they mean a lot to Ron and also give us a good old sense of Saints pride.

 

Genuine thanks everyone!

[SaintSparky]

So sad to hear the news, all my condolences to Big Ron.

[Saint_clark]

Well, well before my time, but as i've said before I will be more than happy to chip in any cost for Ron to come over here.

[RonManager]

Mods, we (you) did it with apparent ease for the player sponsorship after GM's suggestion. I know from this site that FF is involved with the 'Give it to Ron' organisation. I guess the first thing we need to know is whether Ron wants to come over. Perhaps TT can ask him.

 

Sorry if I'm sticking my oar into things that may well be covered by other folk, but Ron means so much to me, he made me become a Saints supporter when I first start going in the late 60s.

 

I would give anything to see him again.

[Ron 09]

One of the reasons Mr Liebherr gave for buying the Club was because it had a great history. Ron Davies is a big part of that great history.

 

Could the Committee that was set up to help Ron, write to Mr Liebherr write to him personally and ask for his help.

 

Could we suggest that for one of home games for Paint Trophy or the FA Cup be deemed Remember Ron Davies Day. If the Club charged everyone £20 for a ticket as a special one off and then £10 of that would go directly to Ron Davies to help a hero down on his luck. The Club would benefit from a bigger than normal crowd and stiil make their money.

 

We could ask the Echo to run a piece about him coming to the game and I am sure a lot of older Saints supporters would not forget one of their own and come along!!!

 

If we got 20,000 there it would mean that this would raise £200,000 or more which would hopeful make a real difference to him for the rest of his life.

 

He was in an era when the players did not earn the fantastic amounts that they do now. He was a fantastic footballer for Saints and we should repay him for entertaining us all those years ago.

 

Who is/was on the Committee to help Ron - Was FF one of them ?

 

Any thoughts please?

[St Landrew]

Mods, we (you) did it with apparent ease for the player sponsorship after GM's suggestion. I know from this site that FF is involved with the 'Give it to Ron' organisation. I guess the first thing we need to know is whether Ron wants to come over. Perhaps TT can ask him.

 

Sorry if I'm sticking my oar into things that may well be covered by other folk, but Ron means so much to me, he made me become a Saints supporter when I first start going in the late 60s.

 

I would give anything to see him again.

 

One of the reasons Mr Liebherr gave for buying the Club was because it had a great history. Ron Davies is a big part of that great history.

 

Could the Committee that was set up to help Ron, write to Mr Liebherr write to him personally and ask for his help.

 

Could we suggest that for one of home games for Paint Trophy or the FA Cup be deemed Remember Ron Davies Day. If the Club charged everyone £20 for a ticket as a special one off and then £10 of that would go directly to Ron Davies to help a hero down on his luck. The Club would benefit from a bigger than normal crowd and stiil make their money.

 

We could ask the Echo to run a piece about him coming to the game and I am sure a lot of older Saints supporters would not forget one of their own and come along!!!

 

If we got 20,000 there it would mean that this would raise £200,000 or more which would hopeful make a real difference to him for the rest of his life.

 

He was in an era when the players did not earn the fantastic amounts that they do now. He was a fantastic footballer for Saints and we should repay him for entertaining us all those years ago.

 

Who is/was on the Committee to help Ron - Was FF one of them ?

 

Any thoughts please?

 

Firstly, apologies to my cohorts.

 

And I thought we'd made so much noise, everybody had heard of Give It To Ron. Go here: www.giveittoron.co.uk

[Master Bates]

MB - try looking at "Good wishes for Ron Davis" on FB :-)

 

Thank you

[RonManager]

TT, any new news about Ron?

 

St. L, FF etc - I notice that the Give it To Ron website is still open for donations. Is Ron's hip etc all sorted now and are there other medical needs that we can help with?

 

Also, are there any thoughts from yourselves as to how we might further help him, based on suggestions above etc?

 

cheers,

RonM

[Fitzhugh Fella]

TT, any new news about Ron?

 

St. L, FF etc - I notice that the Give it To Ron website is still open for donations. Is Ron's hip etc all sorted now and are there other medical needs that we can help with?

 

Also, are there any thoughts from yourselves as to how we might further help him, based on suggestions above etc?

 

cheers,

RonM

 

Both hips are sorted now and there is money left over. We were in the process of discussing how to discharge the residue of the funds when Chrissie's illness put that debate on the back burner. Stabilising Ron's immediate welfare, both physical and mental, is obviously of major importance over the next few weeks but once that has happened we will explore the possibilities of maybe bringing him to the City to meet the fans. If and when the time comes I will speak to AO who I must say was very helpful when we launched the GITR appeal 2 years ago.

[RonManager]

Both hips are sorted now and there is money left over. We were in the process of discussing how to discharge the residue of the funds when Chrissie's illness put that debate on the back burner. Stabilising Ron's immediate welfare, both physical and mental, is obviously of major importance over the next few weeks but once that has happened we will explore the possibilities of maybe bringing him to the City to meet the fans. If and when the time comes I will speak to AO who I must say was very helpful when we launched the GITR appeal 2 years ago.

 

Ok, thanks.

 

I presume from your reply that it is still well worth making a donation,or do you want to wait a while to see how things pan out?

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Ok, thanks.

 

I presume from your reply that it is still well worth making a donation,or do you want to wait a while to see how things pan out?

 

I am a little nervous inasmuch the appeal was initially to raise money for Ron's medical bills which in essence have now been satisfied. I wouldn't want accusations that we were collecting on false pretences, but as long as fans are aware that the money might now be going more on his welfare than his medical treatment then no problem at all, Ron.

[RonManager]

I am a little nervous inasmuch the appeal was initially to raise money for Ron's medical bills which in essence have now been satisfied. I wouldn't want accusations that we were collecting on false pretences, but as long as fans are aware that the money might now be going more on his welfare than his medical treatment then no problem at all, Ron.

 

Ok, understood.

[Foxstone]

My sincere condolences on Ron's sad loss.

 

Ron was one of the finest centre forwards I have had the pleasure to see.

 

The irony for me is that I never watched him play in a Saints shirt but I did in a Norwich City shirt - I was brought up in that part of the world.

 

I recall my Dad ( A Norwich fan) being incandescent with rage when NCFC sold Big Ron to THe Saints in the mid 60's - A sign to him that NCFC had no ambition while Saints did.

His mood did not improve over the following seasons when during our ascendency, Ron was our goal scoring talisman, while NCFC continued to languish in the second tier.

 

He is a legend at Saints, but also remembered with great affection in Norwich too - He scored a goal in every other game in his careers for both clubs and delighted tens of thousands of supporters in the process.

[TijuanaTim]

TT, any new news about Ron?

 

St. L, FF etc - I notice that the Give it To Ron website is still open for donations. Is Ron's hip etc all sorted now and are there other medical needs that we can help with?

 

Also, are there any thoughts from yourselves as to how we might further help him, based on suggestions above etc?

 

cheers,

RonM

 

I have spoken with Ron pretty well once a day until Sunday. I contracted swine flu on my trip back to the UK and it developed into a nasty case of pneumonia. The last couple of days I just haven't felt like talking to anyone. However the super, powerful 'Z-Pack' 5 day treatment they have given me has me feeling a lot more human today.

 

I have already called Ron, but there is no answer. It says his 'voice-mail' is full, however that may not be the case. During inclement whether in Albuquerque, Ron quite often loses service...so I'll just keep trying.

 

Everyone's support, ideas and thoughts for Ron have been extremely supportive and appreciated. Because of his recent heart-breaking bereavement I chose not to get into anything to deep, just listening a lot and then talking about lighter topics which suits Ron.

 

He likes to recall old characters and incidents from his past playing with (and for) his Southampton 'friends'. He recalls getting one of his only bookings for kicking Chopper Harris up in the air, or the fact that all 4 of his goals against Villa in one game were with his FEET!! He fondly recalls his teammates...this is a nice man, he hardly has a bad word for anyone. Also as great as he was and for those of you not fortunate enough to see him play, he really was great, he would have just played for the fun of it.

 

Strange really, there is no real comparison in the modern game. I have tried in vain to think of someone to compare his with but it's hard. Yes he is kinda like Ricky Lambert, but as good as Ricky is, Ron was leaps and bounds (literally better). Far better than Beats and more effective in the air than 6'8" Crouch. Tim Cahill has great heading technique, one of the best in today's game, but he could not approach Ron's ability. Ron was not too quick, but had great feet, he was smart, strong and extremely team oriented and unselfish.

 

In his heyday every club had a superb CB pairing - Hunter/Charlton, England/Mackay, Yates/Hughes, Todd/MacFarland, Simpson/Maclintock, Harris/Webb and yet they were all Ron's *****es, he dominated them all...bar none, so much so that whatever partner Big Ron had would receive so much freedom. He was the making of both Chiv and Channon as he drew double-teamming and extreme close attention, giving the young strikers a chance to flourish.

 

At this stage Ron does not need anything specifically except your love and support. He has to let all these recent events sink in and then take his time to decide about his future. Ron is sent all your regards and also the numerous e-mails that I've been sent. When I mail them to him he has time to read and digest your thought and that is comforting and how he likes it. He is extremely appreciative.

 

Even when Ron was given a cross that he couldn't score from, he would lay it on a plate for another Saint...in this case, his buddy Jimmy Gabriel

[lambjo1976]

I saw my first Saints game in 1967 big Ron quickly became my hero, an absolute maestro with his head. Such sad news about him and now his wife's health. Get well soon to them both

[ZepSaint]

I mainly 'haunt' this forum searching for news etc and info, 'spesh over the dark takeover days.

 

Ron is way before my time, having only followed Saints since the glorious days of '76 (can ANY Saints fan be classed as a glory hunter ?) when my Dad took me to see the cup brought back to its rightful home ..............and, coming originally from just OUTSIDE the Blew Few city boundary I've followed Saints ever since.

 

However, I've just watched the vid on http://www.giveittoron.co.uk/

 

Tim, please pass on my condolences to Ron. He obviously loves everything to do with Saints and, if he's up for it, we should try and bring him over when he feels upto it so that we can show OUR appreciation to HIM.

[TijuanaTim]

Okay, just got off the phone with Big Ron, which was a great relief as I have not been able to contact him for 2 and half days. Unbeknown to me Ron had left with his American Indian friend to visit his friend's mom on the reservation.

 

This was a really good excursion for Ron. I read him the article from the Times "Saints Top 50 Players", in which he was a very creditable 4th. He was extremely flattered, pretty tickled and chuffed to be fair. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article6809386.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1

 

He had just picked up his wife Chris's death certificate, so my intent was to keep all conversation up-beat, positive and light. I did briefly touch on his thoughts about a return to the UK. Have to tell you this is not very high on his list of priorities, he will never move back permanently and even a visit seems a bit arduous to him at this time. I promised to accompany him, if he changed his mind. Ron feels he wants the 'dust to settle' before undertaking anything with 'too many memories attached', he was very clear that he will probably change his mind as time heals.

 

Back on the subject of Saints top players, he truly felt the right top three had been chosen, speaking fondly of playing with Paine and Channon. Ron has the 'Unbelievable' MLT DVD and always tells me how amazed he is by Matty, he says he has never seen 'one player' score so many fantastic goals. He would have loved to have played with him!!

 

Keep the good will coming, it does help. Thanks

[Docker Walker6]

My God be with Big Ron at this very sad time, I remember delivering the papers to him

in Pirie Close, Shirley, when I was a nipper. Best number 9 to wear the Red & White

[RonManager]

Thanks as ever for the update, TT.

 

Keep chipping away at him to come over. Tell him the alternative is 32,000 fans coming over to see him!!

[StInky]

Tell him the alternative is 32,000 fans coming over to see him!!

 

Now there's an idea! What about on "All Saints Day" getting the whole stadium to chant "Give it to Ron on his head", film it and send the dvd to him as a surprise? It could work.

[alpine_saint]

Well, well before my time, but as i've said before I will be more than happy to chip in any cost for Ron to come over here.

 

+1

 

It takes a lot for Sir Matt Busby to call someone the greatest CF in Europe.

[saint lard]

My sincere condolences to Ron on his sad loss.Terrible news.

I sincerely hope he may visit us,so we can see the legend in person again.

[Seaford Saint]

Now there's an idea! What about on "All Saints Day" getting the whole stadium to chant "Give it to Ron on his head", film it and send the dvd to him as a surprise? It could work.

 

 

A fantastic idea

[Toomer]

Now there's an idea! What about on "All Saints Day" getting the whole stadium to chant "Give it to Ron on his head", film it and send the dvd to him as a surprise? It could work.

 

Or

 

His name is Ronnie Davies

He's the leader of the team

The greatest centre forward

That the world has ever seen

You can always rely on him to score a vital goal

And as for (enter name) you can stick him up your hole.

La,la,la ect

Edited 29 October, 2009 by Toomer

[eelpie]

Now there's an idea! What about on "All Saints Day" getting the whole stadium to chant "Give it to Ron on his head", film it and send the dvd to him as a surprise? It could work.

 

Certainly a tribute to Chris in the matchday programme on 'All Saints Day' would be massive, too. Also there could be include an acknowledgement of respect to all the wives and partners of all departed Saints.

 

Can anyone of influence on this site suggest this to the programme planners and editor?

 

To Chris, and all departed players wives and partners, thanks for all the love and support you have given your man. RIP.

[corsacar saint]

Thanks for the update TT, as I have stated in previous posts, Ron was by far and away

the greatest centre forward I have ever seen.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Certainly a tribute to Chris in the matchday programme on 'All Saints Day' would be massive, too. Also there could be include an acknowledgement of respect to all the wives and partners of all departed Saints.

 

Can anyone of influence on this site suggest this to the programme planners and editor?

 

To Chris, and all departed players wives and partners, thanks for all the love and support you have given your man. RIP.

 

saintsfc@cedargroup.uk.com

 

That's the email address to suggest dedications.

[captainchris]

I have spoken with Ron pretty well once a day until Sunday. I contracted swine flu on my trip back to the UK and it developed into a nasty case of pneumonia. The last couple of days I just haven't felt like talking to anyone. However the super, powerful 'Z-Pack' 5 day treatment they have given me has me feeling a lot more human today.

 

I have already called Ron, but there is no answer. It says his 'voice-mail' is full, however that may not be the case. During inclement whether in Albuquerque, Ron quite often loses service...so I'll just keep trying.

 

Everyone's support, ideas and thoughts for Ron have been extremely supportive and appreciated. Because of his recent heart-breaking bereavement I chose not to get into anything to deep, just listening a lot and then talking about lighter topics which suits Ron.

 

He likes to recall old characters and incidents from his past playing with (and for) his Southampton 'friends'. He recalls getting one of his only bookings for kicking Chopper Harris up in the air, or the fact that all 4 of his goals against Villa in one game were with his FEET!! He fondly recalls his teammates...this is a nice man, he hardly has a bad word for anyone. Also as great as he was and for those of you not fortunate enough to see him play, he really was great, he would have just played for the fun of it.

 

Strange really, there is no real comparison in the modern game. I have tried in vain to think of someone to compare his with but it's hard. Yes he is kinda like Ricky Lambert, but as good as Ricky is, Ron was leaps and bounds (literally better). Far better than Beats and more effective in the air than 6'8" Crouch. Tim Cahill has great heading technique, one of the best in today's game, but he could not approach Ron's ability. Ron was not too quick, but had great feet, he was smart, strong and extremely team oriented and unselfish.

 

In his heyday every club had a superb CB pairing - Hunter/Charlton, England/Mackay, Yates/Hughes, Todd/MacFarland, Simpson/Maclintock, Harris/Webb and yet they were all Ron's *****es, he dominated them all...bar none, so much so that whatever partner Big Ron had would receive so much freedom. He was the making of both Chiv and Channon as he drew double-teamming and extreme close attention, giving the young strikers a chance to flourish.

 

At this stage Ron does not need anything specifically except your love and support. He has to let all these recent events sink in and then take his time to decide about his future. Ron is sent all your regards and also the numerous e-mails that I've been sent. When I mail them to him he has time to read and digest your thought and that is comforting and how he likes it. He is extremely appreciative.

 

Even when Ron was given a cross that he couldn't score from, he would lay it on a plate for another Saint...in this case, his buddy Jimmy Gabriel

 

That short video just sums up how high Ron used to jump. I have never seen anyone jump like that sinse.....

Awesome Ron. We had many great players in those days but you were just the best centre foward - certainly in this country....

[TijuanaTim]

Well...the latest is that I'm driving from California over to Albuquerque, New Mexico t'see the great man. He had a tough week last week although his spirits improved at the weekend.

 

So on Thurs/Fri I will pass on messages from Johnny Sydenham and all of you good will. He'll be geeting print outs of all the supportive stuff you've written on here.

 

Thanks as always, positive re-inforcement will help our 'friend' right now.

[dubai_phil]

Well...the latest is that I'm driving from California over to Albuquerque, New Mexico t'see the great man. He had a tough week last week although his spirits improved at the weekend.

 

So on Thurs/Fri I will pass on messages from Johnny Sydenham and all of you good will. He'll be geeting print outs of all the supportive stuff you've written on here.

 

Thanks as always, positive re-inforcement will help our 'friend' right now.

 

Tim, you're a very good man and a good friend to Big Ron, give him a hug from all of us down here