Will Davidson

Not to be confused with Will Davison.
For the Falkirk and Everton player, see William Davidson (Scottish footballer).

William R. Davidson
Personal information
Place of birth Scotland
Position(s) Half back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1893–1895 Newton Heath 41 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

William R. Davidson was a Scottish footballer. His regular position was as a half back. He played for Annbank and Manchester United.[1] When Davidson joined the team in 1893, Manchester United was still known as Newton Heath Football Club and struggling to stay in Football League First Division.[2] Davidson kicked the winning goal in one of the team's few wins in the 1893–94 season, against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 11 November 1893.[3][4] His final appearance was on 1 December 1894 against Crewe Alexandra F.C.,[5] as a serious injury forced him to retire from playing football.[6][7]

However, this was not the end of Davidson's relationship with Newton Heath or Manchester United. Davidson scouted Alex Bell, then playing for Ayr Parkhouse F.C., leading to Bell's transfer to Manchester United in January 1903. Bell appeared in 309 games for Manchester United,[8] with two League titles and an FA Cup.[9]

  1. ^ Graham, Mark. "William Davidson - Manchester United Player Profile & Stats". MUFCInfo.com. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  2. ^ Barnes, Justyn; Bostock, Adam; Butler, Cliff; Ferguson, Jim; Meek, David; Mitten, Andy; Pilger, Sam; Taylor, Frank; Tyrrell, Tom (2001). The official Manchester United illustrated encyclopedia (New ed.). London: Manchester United Books. p. 8. ISBN 0-233-99964-7.
  3. ^ Graham, Mark. "Manchester United 1 v 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers, League Division One Matchday 11, 11th November 1893, Season 1893-1894, Venue:Bank Street". MUFCinfo.com. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  4. ^ "Newton Heath v Wolverhampton Wanderers, 11 November 1893". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises Limited. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Crewe Alexandra v Newton Heath, 01 December 1894". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises Limited. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  6. ^ "William R Davidson". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises Limited. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  7. ^ Brown, Alan Shury and Brian Landamore; with assistance from Allan Kristensen and Tony (2002). The definitive Newton Heath : Manchester United to 1902. Nottingham: SoccerData Publication. p. 65. ISBN 1-899468161.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ "THE WEBSITE OF DREAMS". www.stretfordend.co.uk. Barn End Media. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  9. ^ "Alex Bell". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises Limited. Retrieved 2 June 2017.