Former Swansea player Mark Davies dies on pitch after playing in veterans' match

A former Swansea City player has sadly passed away whilst taking part in a veterans' game over the weekend.

Mark Davies was in action for Llanelli on Sunday in their Wales veterans over-45s' cup final against Penybont when he died. Mr Davies, who was aged 49, had previously been a professional for Swansea City and had featured in their European Cup Winners' Cup tie against Monaco back in 1991.

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 Marks' Family at this sad time. Sadly, Mark passed away playing the game that he loved and graced for many years in this area. Mark also played for many years for Dafen AFC and our thoughts also go to his friends there.

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

A club spokesperson from the Swans 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."

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "Shortly after 3.40pm on Sunday, May 15, emergency services responded to a call following a report that a man had collapsed near Lawrenny Avenue in Canton. The 49-year-old man was playing football. Police Community Support Officers and paramedics were at scene and commenced CPR. However, despite their efforts, the man was declared deceased. HM Coroner has been informed."

Davies was a member of Swansea's West Wales Senior Cup-winning squad before signing a professional contract in July 1991. A defender, he made his Swans' debut against Monaco in a European Cup Winners' Cup tie in August 1991 and would feature in the second leg of the tie, which saw Swansea hammered 8-0 by a Monaco side managed by future Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Davies made a solitary league appearance for Swansea before joining non-league side Merthyr Tydfil a year later. According to Swansea's club website, he then had to "give up football because of a medical condition, briefly resuming with Llanelli".

Davies would go on to play for Dafen, who also issued a poignant statement. It said: "Tragic, desperate news with Mark Davies' sudden passing. Our thoughts are with Mark's children, friends and family. He was a massive force within our club in his time here. A captain, a leader. Our captain, our leader. Most importantly a really nice guy and a friend. He was a Swan, then became a Dafen Bluebird."

Davies later represented Llanelli's veterans side, who were playing against Penybont in their cup final at the Cardiff House of Sport in Leckwith when he sadly died.

A statement from the venue read: "Everyone at Cardiff City House of Sport is saddened to learn about the passing of Llanelli Veterans player Mark Davies during the Wales Veterans Cup final at Leckwith yesterday. We offer our sincere condolences to Mark's family, friends and everyone at the club."