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Post by salford1963 on Sept 3, 2023 14:19:22 GMT
Today we say a sad farewell to a legend of the game and lovely genuine guy. Dai was my first Salford hero playing alongside Mike Coulman and Colin Dixon.
May he rest in peace🙏
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Post by salford1963 on Sept 3, 2023 16:07:32 GMT
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Post by Old Dave on Sept 3, 2023 16:12:52 GMT
David excelled at both codes of rugby, a hero to many and a nice man. He bought us a lot of joy and was an important part of our title winning team of the seventies.
Condolences to his family and friends.
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Post by russ on Sept 3, 2023 16:27:41 GMT
It's hard to explain how sad this loss is..
RIP Dai and thanks for everything glorious memories an. all!
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Post by dixon13 on Sept 3, 2023 16:28:57 GMT
The Best Rugby player I have ever seen in a Salford shirt
Thank you for the wonderful memories David RIP
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Post by tony13 on Sept 3, 2023 16:37:32 GMT
I don't normally respond to these "RIP xxxx" threads, but this is different. Dai Watkins stood out at a time when the game was full of giants. He was the first super star I remember watching live. RIP Dai.
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Post by chief on Sept 3, 2023 16:48:57 GMT
I said that Eric Prescott was one of my heroes growing up. David Watkins was my number one hero.
Beast player I ever saw in a Salford shirt.
Used to argue with my elder brother that he was the best we had seen play but he thought Alex Murphy.
A great player but never met him.
Condolences to his loved ones.
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Post by johnh1 on Sept 3, 2023 17:13:10 GMT
So sad. The ultimate Salford player. RIP David.
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Post by kreuzbergred on Sept 3, 2023 17:25:41 GMT
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Post by JJR on Sept 3, 2023 17:53:59 GMT
One of the best kickers of a rugby ball ever
My lasting memory is of him being laid out by Alex Murphy just about where the half way line and the touch line meet….he was brought round, got up kicked the goal to win the match. As the whistle went Murphy went up to him put his arm round him and they walked off together.
Amazingly skilled and tough athlete
Thanks for those wonderful memories
For those who never saw him he was a bit like Croft but with greater speed, amazing side step and the ability to kick goals and find touch from anywhere…all for £16,000 signing on fee.
RIP Dai
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Post by whiterosered on Sept 3, 2023 18:04:46 GMT
I don't normally respond to these "RIP xxxx" threads, but this is different. Dai Watkins stood out at a time when the game was full of giants. He was the first super star I remember watching live. RIP Dai. Same here. The greatest Salford player in my lifetime, quite possibly ever. A lovely bloke too. RIP |
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Post by Carnster on Sept 3, 2023 18:15:15 GMT
I was too young to see him play in his prime, but his legend is part of Salford fans DNA. A sad day.
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Post by devilsadvocate on Sept 3, 2023 22:10:08 GMT
Incredible player.
Quick,devestating sidestep,good distribution and brave.
Quite the most incredible goalkicker.You got the impression he could back heel them over.
A supreme talent and probably the best of a very talented team.
By all accounts a lovely man too.
We were privileged to have seen him play for us.
Thoughts to his family
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Post by SalfordSlim on Sept 4, 2023 9:49:27 GMT
I've been offline most of the weekend so only just picked up on this as my mate messaged me a few minutes ago. Very sad news indeed. Wish there was more footage out there of Watkins & that 70's team as from accounts I've read on here (and from my mate that never shuts up about them!🙂) they were one hell of a team.
I wonder if the club have anything in the end of season awards schedule to potentially honour the like of Dai & Eric? I think it would be a fitting tribute to 2 genuine Salford greats.👹👹
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Post by dixon13 on Sept 4, 2023 10:12:56 GMT
I have already expressed my sincere condolences.I have just come back to mention
for to young to remember.
As well as playing for Gt Britain David also coached Gt Britain in Australia.
My two abiding memories of David that try in his first game in front of over 12,000
and the second we were playing Blackpool the haalf time hooter had gone we were on the half way line Johnny Ward passed to David who just dropped kicked it between the sticks Wardie just stood their clapping
You had to be good to win Murphy's respect David certainly did that
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