The joint-10th highest scorer in the history of Norwich City has died at the age of 70.

Ron Davies, who scored 66 goals for the Canaries between 1963 and 1966, is understood to have died in hospital in the US state of New Mexico last Friday after a period of ill-health.

Mr Davies, who spent the most successful spell of his career with Southampton, where he scored 153 goals in 281 appearances, had been living in Albuquerque and died just a day short of his 71st birthday.

The Welshman scored his 66 goals in 126 appearances for the Canaries and made his international debut for Wales during his time at Carrow Road, going on to earn 29 caps.

The Norwich City Hall of Fame member was also once described by legendary Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby as 'the best centre forward in Europe', having scored four goals against his team at Old Trafford.

Canaries legend Terry Allcock, who sits second in the club's all-time goalscorers list with 127 goals, played with Mr Davies during his three years at Carrow Road.

'During my era, which was a 12-year spell, he was probably the best centre-forward we had,' said Mr Allcock. 'He arrived as a sort of expensive addition to our squad, Ron Ashman was our player-manager at the time and we played Luton and he scored three or four goals that particular day so Ron chased him for the opportunity to purchase him and he came for about £40,000, which was quite substantial in those days.

'He proved a great addition and scored a lot of goals. He was a great header of the football and a good finisher.'

Mr Davies' arrival had a big impact on Mr Allcock's career as the Welshman arrived when Mr Allcock had broken a leg, which eventually saw Mr Davies take over as centre-forward and Mr Allcock playing in defence when he was fit again.

'He was a lovely guy,' added Mr Allcock. 'He was also very artistic and when we travelled he used to draw caricatures of the players.

'My best wishes go out to his family.'

Mr Davies signed for City from Luton Town in September 1963 and although the Canaries finished a lowly 17th in Division Two, the centre-forward scored 30 goals in his first season.

When he joined Southampton for around £55,000 in 1966 there was some annoyance among the Canaries faithful that a higher fee wasn't paid for their star player.

The transfer proved a steal for the Saints as well, as Mr Davies went on to finish as top scorer in Division One in his first two seasons on the south coast.

A Norwich City statement said: 'The Holywell-born forward was a prolific goalscorer and was well-known for his extraordinary aerial ability.

'He enjoyed hugely successful spells at Chester City, Luton Town and most notably, Southampton, scoring 275 goals across his entire club career.

'The club would like to pass on our condolences to Ron's family and friends at this difficult time.'

Former Southampton team-mate and Norwich City striker Mick Channon paid tribute on his website.

'I was only 16 the year we got promoted in 1966 and then this big Welsh bloke comes to the club. He was an absolute monster - brave, loyal, funny and bloody good at scoring goals.

'He could head a ball harder than I could kick it - near post, far post, penalty spot. 'THUD!' was the noise it would make. I played for 20 years and nobody ever came close to Ron Davies in that department.

'I was just a kid, waiting for my chance, occasionally playing on the left wing when John Sydenham wasn't fit but usually watching from the stand as Ron played up front alongside Martin Chivers with Terry Paine supplying the crosses for them to do the business.

'We're talking about three World Class players here. The rest of the lads would scratch, bollock and bite their way through games and it was the best thing I've ever been involved in.

'We had such a great set of lads, Jimmy Gabrial, Eric Martin, Joe Kirkup, Jimmy Melia, Denis Hollywood, Bobby Stokes, Brian O'Neil, Hughie Fisher, Jim Steele - they all played a massive part, but Martin, Terry and Ron had the cutting edge and laid the foundations for what followed.'

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