Funeral details - 10 am at Landican on Tuesday 8th April.l followed by the wake at St Joseph's Social Club on Greenbank Road off North Road in Birkenhead.

Thank you to Graeme Kenna for providing the following words on Tony's time at Oldershaw

Another Oldershaw stalwart passed into history last week when Tony Davenport died aged only 66. Tony was a talented all-rounder and well known in footballing circles (though obviously couldn't match the achievements of his brother Peter of Notts Forest, Man U and England fame). Tony was described as "Like Jan Molby, using his strength to hold them off in the middle of the park until he could put the ball exactly where he wanted it" - which also describes his rugby playing style.

He was brought down to the club by Barry Scott, who had taught him, and recognised his talent. The 1st XV photo from 1978 shows as a very young man he had forced his way into a tremendously strong lineup. He started at centre as Kenny Gillett and later Geoff Forster were preferred options at scrum half. But he later made the scrum half position his own. He could kick long and accurately with each foot and had a huge, accurate pass on him. He was stocky and strong, with an impossibly low centre of gravity. Behind a dominant pack he would drive the opposition back, providing try after try for his wingers and the forwards. Just when the opposition had got used to being kicked to death and we're turning every time to follow his kicks, he would put in a burst that would carry him through the first and second line of defence, and unload as they struggled to hold him. At his best he was almost unplayable.

Sadly injuries and fitness problems bedevilled his career. He played a lot for the lower teams and never gave less than 100%. He played through the 80s and well into the 90s until knee problems forced his retirement. Sadly, he felt too frustrated to become a spectator and so his many friendships lapsed. Which was a shame because he was great company, witty, quiet and level headed.

In work, amongst other jobs, he worked at Camell Lairds, the Inland Revenue and at last settled as sexton of Earlston Cemetery.

People have innumerable tales of his kindness and tact to bereaved families.

His later years were marred by ill health, diabetes restricting his movement and his eyesight. He often reminisced about Oldershaw to his family, and to him they were clearly his "Glory Days". Online he took great delight in tormenting supporters of the Welsh team, and his last conversation with his son was a happy one about this year's 6 Nations scoreline. He leaves us with great memories of a talented, well loved member of the Oldershaw family.