Thomas, Dave

Dave Thomas

Clubs played for: Burnley, QPR, Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth.

Born: 1950

Birthplace: Kirkby-in-Ashfield

Position: left winger

Biography: Born in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Dave came from good footballing stock - his grandfather was one of a group of West Auckland miners who represented Great Britain and won an international tournament held in Turin in the early 1910's. A former England international who was an extremely skillful and fast midfielder, he had a long and successful playing career, playing for almost 20 years and totalling over 450 league appearances whilst playing for Burnley, QPR, Everton, Vancouver Whitecaps, Middlesbrough, Pompey and Wolves (who he joined in preference to Manchester United, a decision that he has regretted ever since). He won 8 England caps overall whilst at QPR. In 1981, he played a single summer season with the Vancouver Whitecaps in the North American Soccer League. A three year spell at Pompey, towards the end of his career, was ended in 1986 by the new Deacon regime and he turned to one of his other passions, gardening, to earn a living for many years thereafter. He also worked part time as a PE teacher at the Bishop Luffa School in Chichester, but has now retired.

Do you have any interesting, happy, or humorous memories of Dave?
If so, please let us know and we will be happy to share them with the world!

Thomas, Dave Played against Dave in Bishop Auckland always gave me a roasting on the wing.
28-03-23 Tony Bass

Thomas, Dave I played against Dave all through junior and secondary school but was never on the winning side whenever Dave was on the other team. Best player I came up against!! Brilliant play.
All the best
Jack
17-01-23 Jack Waters

Thomas, Dave We grew up together, playing keep uppy at the rec. He would do 2000 then my turn, probably best 56. Best time was making a tree camp at the low wood. Good old West Auckland days. Cheers Ticer
22-05-22 Tony Welsh

Thomas, Dave Saw Dave yesterday in a coffee shop in Barnard Castle. He is always around the town with his guide dog. Knew him through my father in law when we talked to him one Sunday in the cross keys pub having Sunday dinner.
16-02-22 Paul sutherland

Thomas, Dave At school in Burnley 1966 we had some very good players of which several of us passed our English School Boys Certificates. At school we always played football and I remember Dave introduced us to training and playing with a tennis ball to hone our skills. His skill levels were incredible.
I would like to wish him well.
13-02-22 David Ashcroft

Thomas, Dave As an Evertonian I watched Dave play many times, also when he was at Burnley. Wonderful to see him living life to the full and looks super fit. Bob Latch turned 71 this week and he too looks in good physical condition. If they turned out tomorrow they would probably do better than the current bunch.
22-01-22 Allan

Thomas, Dave Went to see Dave at a talk in recently @ Barnard Castle. Very inspirational guy who is currently doing a lot of fund raising for his beloved Blind Dogs charity .
20-09-21 Colin Hodgson

Thomas, Dave A great player. I had the pleasure of playing with him for Bishop Auckland District team. Lovely guy.
13-02-21 Keith Summers

Thomas, Dave I remember Dave as a Student with me at Burnley Technical college. We were 17 (1967) I think. He was just emerging as a very good player for Burnley but he attended the Business Studies Course but I think he hated it.!!
He had just bought his first VauxhauI Viva, we were all very impresssed. He was a nice young man for sure. I also remember Burnley were playing Swindon in the semi final of the Cup and were expected to beat them to play Arsenal in the final. But, Swindon beat Burnley and then beat Arsenal to win the Cup.!!! I was very distressed.
I would love to be able to contact him again as he is doing great work with guide dogs
16-10-19 Gill Jackson