A FORMER Caersws football star has shared his memories of sharing a pitch with the late Dai Davies.

Mark Howells was part of a Newtown side which competed in the shortlived Welsh Youth League during the early 90s.

Many of the players who featured for the junior Robins would go on to enjoy successful careers at other clubs.

Howells enjoyed a career with Caersws while Chris Roberts joined Welshpool Town while Aneurin Thomas and Gari Lewis represented Aberystwyth Town.

Each benefitted from a brief spell as a team-mate of ex-Wales and Everton goalkeeper Davies who died this week.

Mark said: "We were being managed by Mike Smith at the time and travelling all across south Wales every Sunday.

"It was a great side and most of the lads who played went on to play senior football elsewhere.

"One season we were short of a goalkeeper for a few games and Mike drafted in Dai Davies to play who was in his 40s at the time."

Mark remembered Davies was still as agile as ever during his short spell with the Robins.

"He did not dive once, he did not have to," said Mark. "He anticipated everything that would happen and was such a great person to have a round.

"He was really encouraging and offered all the lads tips on how to further develop their careers."

Mark remembered one particular incident well and it involved team-mate Lee Robinson, brother of ex-Wales star Carl.

"Lee had played on Saturday and had a tight hamstring so Dai told him to lie down and pushed on his chest with his hand," said Mark. "We all know Dai had an alternative therapy shop and was a druid so we all watched and believed he knew what he was doing.

"Whether it was psychological or he was actually finding a healing point none of us could say but Lee played that day."

Mark added: "He was a true gentleman. It was a massive step down from Wales to Newtown Youth but he never complained and enjoyed it. It was a great honour to play on the same team as him."