John Henry Davies
John Henry Davies | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1864 Tutbury, Staffordshire, England |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day Llandudno, Wales |
| Occupation(s) | Brewery proprietor, football club owner |
| Known for | Owner of Manchester United FC |
John Henry Davies (circa 1864 – 24 October 1927) was a prosperous British brewery proprietor who, in 1902, assumed control of the football club then called Newton Heath, which faced financial difficulties with debts amounting to £2,670.
Originating from Tutbury in Staffordshire, Davies was the fifth child among nine siblings born to David Davies, a Welsh engineer, and Susannah Nield Davies of Cheshire. Raised in Manchester, he initially pursued careers as an estate agent and innkeeper before venturing into brewing during the late 1890s as a director at John Henry Lees brewery. By the early twentieth century, he had become chairman of both Walker and Homfray Brewery and the Manchester Brewery Company, which managed numerous public houses across Manchester and Salford. In 1912, Walker and Homfray acquired Manchester Brewery along with other related enterprises. Additionally, Davies held ownership of Daniel Clifton & Company based in Stockport, overseeing approximately 50 pubs and off-licences. In 1920, he established the Moss Side Brewery Company alongside the Palatine Bottling Company.
Prior to his engagement with football, Davies had amassed considerable wealth independently and was married to Amy Caterall, niece and ward of sugar magnate Sir Henry Tate. The couple were recognized for their charitable contributions supporting sporting activities within Manchester.
An often recounted anecdote explains how Davies became involved with Newton Heath: at a fundraising event in 1901, he discovered the club captain Harry Stafford’s missing St Bernard dog. After returning the pet, Davies contributed financially to the club and subsequently invested £200 together with Stafford and other local businessmen to prevent its dissolution.
During Davies's tenure, Newton Heath was rebranded as Manchester United FC, adopting the now-famous colors of red, white, and black. Improvements were made to the Bank Street stadium, Ernest Mangnall was appointed manager, and significant players such as Alex Bell and Charlie Roberts joined the team. By 1906, Manchester United secured promotion to the First Division, followed by winning the league championship in 1908 and capturing the FA Cup in 1909. Davies financed the relocation to Old Trafford in 1910. The club claimed another league title in 1911 before World War I and subsequent managerial changes brought an end to this initial period of success.
Davies passed away at age 63 in Llandudno, Wales after enduring several years of poor health. At that time, Manchester United had regained its place in the First Division following a period competing in the Second Division.