SUPER Kevin Davies will be remembered as fondly for the contribution he has made to the town he has called home for almost a decade as he will for his playing skills on the pitch.

Fans have expressed sadness that the captain of Bolton Wanderers is to leave the club — but say his legacy will continue to benefit Bolton for years to come.

Davies was told this week his stay of almost 10 years at Bolton Wanderers was at an end on his 36th birthday .

Cllr John Walsh said: “He has very clearly played a great part in Bolton’s history over the years.

“He has been a good servant to the club and it will be sad to see him go. Sadly time catches up with everyone.

“His contribution has not just been on the field, but also in the community with his charity work, a legacy which has made an enormous contribution to Bolton.

“I wish him every success in the future, and hope he continues to support the town in the future.”

Off the field, Davies and his wife, Emma, work tirelessly for his charity KiDs of Bolton, which has raised thousands of pounds to help youngsters take part in sports and healthy activities.

It has an ambitious plan to create Bolton’s first purpose-built indoor football facility.

Thanks to the charity, Bolton Gymnastics Club was given £13,548 to spend on new equipment, Individuals have also been helped to fulfil their sporting ambition through funding enabling them to take part in competitions.

Golf Days have been held and organisations including the University of Bolton have backed the charity.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi said: “Kevin Davies has been a great servant for Bolton Wanderers both on and off the pitch. He'll be missed by the team, the club and the fans. I hope he is awarded a testimonial which would be a fitting tribute for his decade of service.”

Comedian Dave Spikey added: “He’s a hero of mine, he embodies everything that is right about football. He never complains or argues, he is a great role model.”

“He should have played for England more, he is much more than a centre forward, which he became sadly labelled with.

“He is in the same bracket at John McGinlay, who always gave 100 per cent and fans love him. He was great off the field with his charity work.”