'Like throwing your Sunday joint to a shark' - Leeds United fans memories of cult hero Bobby Davison

He was Leeds United's penalty-box poacher.
Bobby Davison. PIC: Varley Picture AgencyBobby Davison. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
Bobby Davison. PIC: Varley Picture Agency

Bobby Davison will not only be fondly remembered for his predatory prowess for also for his hard graft during the 110 games he played for the Whites.

Indeed one of his 35 Leeds United goals inspired now legendary commentary from a TV pundit.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Giving the ball to Davison with a misplaced back pass is like throwing your Sunday joint to a shark," said John Boyd after Davison scored against Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road in November 1989 his fifth in as many games.

Bobby Davison. PIC: Varley Picture AgencyBobby Davison. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
Bobby Davison. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
Read More
John Sheridan - 12 memories of a Leeds United midfield maestro

After arriving from Derby County for £350,000 Davison made an instant impact scoring on his debut against Swindon Town at Elland Road in a 4-2 win, a game also remembered for the debut of another Leeds United legend - David Batty.

Your YEP has asked the Elland Road faithful to share memories of the shipyard welder turned striker.

Responses included:

Hans Viggo Nielsen - "My all-time favourite."

Mark Derbyshire - "I was delighted when we signed him. He’d done well at Derby. He was great for us."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ian Taylor - "Blocking the ball as Simon Tracey tried to kick the ball out of his hands v Sheff Utd in 1990. Tracey panicked and chased Davison across the area and brought him down for a penalty. An overlooked pivotal moment in a massive game that’s famous for ‘go on Gary Speed, get one yourself son’. 4-0 Leeds."

Mark Angulin - "I think i might of been there that day, verses Wolves. Bobby scored a header."

Gazza M Smithson - "Bobby for me was brilliant for us in the Second Division title winning season."

Mark Longbottom - "Scored great goals from very tight angles. One of my favourites as a teenager in the Kop."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dale William Maxwell - "Scored the first goal in the 2-0 win against Coventry in 1991. My first visit to Elland Road. What a landmark."

Martin Barnes "Ooo Bobby, Bobby. Bobby, Bobby, Bobby, Bobby Davison! Very, very underrated footballer. Great for Leeds United."

Christine Duval - "I loved bobby nearly as much as Mervyn (Day)."

Mark Orbell - "Scored two in 3-0 away win at a very wet Fellowes Park, Walsall. No roof on away end but we didn’t care."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dylan Waugh - "Got taken to meet him in Burtons on The Headrow. Got a signed pic of him, made my day as a nine-year-old. And all he said to me was “keep practicing young en” Good memories."

Mike Driver - "My first game I ever went to was in 1989 when I was about seven and Davison scored a great goal against Middlesbrough and we won 2-1! Obsessed with Leeds ever since."

Nige Ainsworth - "Back in the day my dad was a bus driver taking Leeds fans all over the place. But the downside of that is me and my sister always had to stand with the home fans . On one occasion we was at Bradford and Bobby scored and celebrated right in front of me I couldn't help but take my coat of to show him my Leeds top. That went down like a lead balloon. My dad wasn't very happy as well bless him."

**********************

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins

Related topics: