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Norman Davies Obituary
Norman Davies was kit man at the Reds for 23 years, making sure some of the biggest names in football were always dressed for the occasion.
He was thrust into the spotlight in 1995 when he escorted Eric Cantona to the changing room after a sending off and watched helplessly as the fiery Frenchman wriggled from his grasp and Kung Fu kicked a fan.
But behind the scenes at United he was revered as a hard-working, lovable character who was one of the game's "good guys".
Sir Alex Ferguson led the tributes to Davies, saying: "Manchester United has lost one of its biggest fans and I have lost a dear friend.
"Norman was a larger than life character loved by everyone who knew him. My thoughts are now with his family at this terribly sad time."
Davies, from Gorse Hill, Stretford, was a Military Policeman and told the story of how he was unlucky enough to be the only National Service man wounded in action in Germany AFTER the war.
He was shot in a border skirmish with the Russians, in an incident which was hushed up at the time to avoid a diplomatic row.
In the 1970s he worked as a taxi driver with Crystal Cabs in Stretford, where one of his jobs was to ship United's kits and young players to the Cliff training ground in Salford.
It was Reds boss Tommy Docherty who recognised his natural rapport with the junior players and asked him to join the club's staff in 1973.
Once he took charge, Davies revolutionised the distribution, laundering, organisation and management of the kit at Old Trafford from the youngest youth players to the seniors, turning it into a professional operation.
He went to become the longest-serving employee at United, and worked out that in the season before he retired he laid out 588 kits.
Current United kit man Albert Morgan shadowed Norman for two years in the 90s before taking over when he retired in 1996.
He had been Davies's apprentice mechanic at the former Manchester Garages since he was 15.
"Norman used to call the kit job a monster. But he was the one who created it because he was so professional," Albert told M.E.N. Sport.
"When he first got the job the kit was just dumped in a bag in the middle of the dressing room and it was a case of first come, best dressed!
"But he knew that wasn't good enough for Manchester United and introduced a new system. It was so professional and organised and it is a blueprint he passed on to me and I am still working from to this day.
"He was brilliant at his job and though he was hard on me when he brought me to the club it was for my own good and for the good of the club. He taught me everything. I am grateful for that and I loved him to bits.
"He was popular and a good genuine hard working guy."
United held Davies in such high regard that when he retired in 1996 they held a grand dinner for him at the Midland Hotel.
Davies, who died at the age of 76 on Monday, is survived by his wife Hilary, daughters Jayne and Helen and grandchildren Thomas, Jade and Harry.
57 Entries
Brian and Margaret
February 10, 2023
We met Norman and Hilary at a Hotel in Majorca,back in 1984. We had a great holiday with them ,and they were very special people to us A really down to earth bloke.RIP Norman
James Maher
May 13, 2020
Was watching highlights of the '96 fa cup final. Seen you hugging sir Alex after the game. The commentator said it was your last game. Reminded me to look you up, to only find out that you died. My first memory of supporting man United was looking at my first poster of the United team and staff. And along with the staff, Norman was in it. Too be part of that 90s era was something special. You will always be apart of that team and it's history. RIP Norman
Gerard Daly
September 29, 2019
Rip Norman you were part of utd history in the 90s for me !!!
david oxberry
December 28, 2014
at Manchester garages Norman always had the cleanest overalls,, perfect for a kitman. They say if a person is remembered then he never dies.. live forever Norman
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Colin Deane
August 18, 2013
My dad Cliff Deane still talks about Norman. They met at Manchester Garages as apprentices around 1950. I understand that my dad introduces Norman to Hilary.
Colin
Tina Baxter
April 21, 2012
So sad sending all my love to Jane & Hellen & Hillary lots of love Tina Baxter xxxx
August 5, 2009
My name is Jeannie, and my Dad was Albert Drinkwater, who I think was Norman's cousin. My Dad died in 1998, and I was trying to trace some family, when I found Norman had died a year ago.Please accept my condolences. I have two children, and we have little contact with any family on my Dad's side. If you feel you would like to contact me please email on [email protected]
Julie Jones
August 27, 2008
To Jayne and Helen,
To many he was Utd's kit man but to you he was dad. Sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you, lots of love ju x (Julie, Pete and Gareth Jones)
Matt Carr
June 21, 2008
I was so sorry to learn of Normans death,having known Norman for many years I will miss him alot and my thoughts are with his lovely family especially his wife Hilary and daughters Jayne and Helen,god bless you Norman every time I visit Old Trafford I will think of you,you were a great friend.
jamie emmerson
June 14, 2008
i was devastated to hear of the sad news that norman davies has passed away and i'd like to pass on my deepest condolences to his family at this terrible time. He was a true united man and a great servant to our club. A vital cog in the united wheel. Norman you'll be sorely missed. from jamie, one love mufc!
Don Evans
June 13, 2008
I am so sorry to learn of Normans passing I used to deal with him when I was stationed at Stretford police station.He was a genuinely nice man.
Wendy & Damien Veevers
June 10, 2008
They call him a Legend - we were lucky to call him a friend. So many memories of fantastic times with my Dad -Fred Frost and all our families. Great holidays in Portugal, great times at Old Trafford, lots of laughs a few tears. Norman you were there for us all when my Dad passed away and those times will never be forgotten. We loved you dearly and our lives will be sadder now your gone, but I'm sure you'll be with your best mate now. God Bless
Colin Bainbridge
June 9, 2008
A lovely fella with a extremely generous nature will be much missed by many .a true red and one of the worlds gentlemen
Thanks for everything Norman
Bernard Frain
June 9, 2008
Norman was a good friend and know him for a long time at Old Trafford he had a lot of time for everbody involved with the club, I have been a General Steward since 1973 and currently chief steward at this moment, sorry to here this sad loss of Norman currently I am working in China my prayers are with you and your family on this particular sad occasion
Bernard
PAUL KELLY
June 9, 2008
Norman,you make me think of wonderful United times gone by.God bless,regards to the family.
Gordon McQueen
June 7, 2008
I was very saddened to hear the news. This is a great loss of a great man. Our thoughts are with his family. Gordon McQueen, Hayley McQueen & Family
Bruce Wyder
June 6, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Des Barnes
June 6, 2008
Goodbye Norman, always a true gentleman, RIP mate, a truley good man has left us.you will be sadly missed by everyone.
A PURE RED --- A PURE GENT
Jane Browne
June 6, 2008
God bless you Norman for being you. Many fond memories of our chats and jokes. A legend. RIP. Love to all the family.
patrick mooney
June 6, 2008
one true red will be sadley missed
sue reid
June 6, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
DAVID THOMAS
June 5, 2008
A TRUE RED
GOD LESS HIM
Richard Ashton
June 5, 2008
My one redeeming memory of Norman Davies' professionalism was for the first match of the 1984/85 season. As a then excitable 11-year-old I was eager to see new signings Jesper Olsen, Gordon Strachan and Alan Brazil - as well as new snazzy kit (the one they won the FA Cup in the following May). Imagine my surprise when the team ran out in the new kit wearing white socks, at a time when United always played in black socks with the home kit. Thinking there'd been a cock-up it later turned out that the Football League had mistakenly informed Watford that our new home kit included white socks, and Norman had spent a frantic hour chasing round for 12 sets of white socks. True professionalism from a man who was before his time - as United have since won the European Cup twice wearing white socks. God bless you Norman.
Brian Corrigan
June 5, 2008
God Bless you Norman.
Thanks for being part of the best team in the world.
Once a Red Always a Red
Fiona A Stretford Ender
June 5, 2008
The best loved kit man ever
Ken & Gro Eriksen Green
June 5, 2008
Our sincere and deepest condolences to Hilary and Family.
I had the pleasure of knowing Norman for many years and he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, his infectious smile and great sense of humor will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him. R.I.P
Mike and Val Hughes
June 5, 2008
Mike and I sat next to Norman for four years at the Theatre of Dreams and what an absolute and lovely gent he was. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences are sent to his family and friends at this very sad time. A true Red to the end, Norman, you have a seat with the best now. God Bless you. You're an absolute star.
STEPHEN PRIOR
June 4, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Craig Williams
June 4, 2008
Norman what a great guy you was to man utd and fans alike you will be greatly missed, my respect goes out to you and your family massively what a person you was and will be sadly missed R.I.P
DILEN LUTCHMEE
June 4, 2008
ITS A SAD LOST FOR THE MAN UNITED FAMILY AND FOOTBALL GENERALLY AS NOWADAYS WE DONT FIND SUCH LOYAL PERSON TO STICK IN A JOB. REST IN PEACE MR DAVIES GOD BLESS YOU
Simon Jones
June 4, 2008
My deepest condolences to Hilary and the whole family. I worked with Norman for 8 years - whilst I drove the team coach he made the steak sandwiches and coffee on the way home from games. Will miss you mate. one of the best - I learned a lot from you.
charles Colwell
June 4, 2008
Forever RED
RIP my condolences to family
bill/nella morrissey
June 4, 2008
rest in peace norman
all our love to the family at this sorrowful time
Frank Dunne
June 4, 2008
I was ten the first time ever to OT. My Dad knew Norman, so Norman organized an unofficial tour of the ground - him being the tour guide. I ended up in the Stredford End goal and this was 3 hours before KO. How times have changed.
Norman, I will always remember you for that one day. Thank you, RIP
steve aldcroft
June 4, 2008
'After his first training session in heaven, George Best, from his favourite right wing, turned the head of God who was filling in at left-back. I would love him to save me a place in his team - George Best that is, not God'. - Eric Cantona.
They're probably going to need a kit-man for that session Norman. Get your name down, lad!
Mik Ince
June 4, 2008
I only met Norman once,the 1st impresion never left me,
God Bless.
Umair Nadeem
June 4, 2008
It was very sad to hear .I feel it is a big loss not only for the club but for the rest of the football world.
God Bless You
Stephen Doherty
June 4, 2008
R.I.P Norman
Elsie Hook
June 4, 2008
Gone but not forgotten.
May the Lord be by your side forever.
Always RED for UNITED
ANDY OLD TRAFFORD
June 3, 2008
last time i spoke to norman god bless him ,he was on a come back,for one game,old school to a... T AND ,A TRUE RED,GOD BLESS A TRUE RED..
Graham Partington
June 3, 2008
Risen to the real Theater of Dreams. Norman, thanks for everything you did for our glorious club.
Richard Hammond
June 3, 2008
May God bless you and your family Norman you will always be remembered by the Manchester United family for your excellent service and keeping the team well turned out. Thank you
Pete Solski
June 3, 2008
Treasured memories of good times.
Thinking of you Hilary and family.
Pete Solski and family.
Derek Macbeath
June 3, 2008
All our thoughts and best wishes to a real united man
God Bless
D Macbeath
Cornwall
john murray
June 3, 2008
red in peace norman
Mike Phelan
June 3, 2008
Red through and through. Keep the Red flag flying high because you will never die.
Barry Reynolds
June 3, 2008
Norman - Gone but not forgotten
To Norman's widow and the rest of the family circle, I can only offer my sincerest sympathies at this time.
Treasured memories will last forever.
peter Hadfield
June 3, 2008
God Bless you and your family at this time
ADEYEMI FRANCIS
June 3, 2008
My condolensce to the Davies family at this time of grief. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this loss. Rest In Peace Norman.
steve gill
June 3, 2008
R.I.P Norman worked with you & Albert{dog head}morgan at m/c garages great memories.
Brian/steve Gill
Tal Herman
June 3, 2008
Norman Davies,forever will be one of the fibers of united!
R.I.P Norman
June 3, 2008
R.I.P. Dear Norm !
U Legend U !
Theo Cape Town RSA
Joseph Pattipeilohy
June 3, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
terry rowan
June 3, 2008
a light has gone out in this world,but shines brightly in the next.
Daniel Stevenson
June 3, 2008
R.I.P. Norman Davies, you served the team well, and all the Man United family will miss you well.
Jas Heer
June 3, 2008
I remember you from all my early "Shoot" centrefolds of our team.
RIP Norman
David Hall
June 3, 2008
RIP Norman, you will always be remembered.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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