Dave Leworthy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

David Leworthy (born October 22, 1962 in Portsmouth, England) is an English former footballer who made his name as an intelligent centre forward.

Born on 22nd October 1962 in Portsmouth, Leworthy grew up on the city's notorious Portsea estate. He signed for his hometown club of Portsmouth F.C. but, having made just one first team appearance, was released by his boyhood heroes and signed for non-league Hampshire club, Fareham Town.

After a prolific spell at Fareham Town, Leworthy's career took a huge leap when he was signed by North London giants Tottenham Hotspur, making his debut in front of nearly fifty thousand fans against hated rivals, Arsenal.

After two years at White Hart Lane Leworthy moved on to fellow top-flight club, Oxford United, famously scoring against Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. After spells with Reading and Shrewsbury Town, he began a hugely successful career in non-league football, where his exploits led to him being nicknamed 'The Legend'.

A successful period at Farnborough Town was followed by a move to Dover Athletic, which saw the non-league transfer record broken when the Kent club paid £50,000. A spell at Rushden & Diamonds involved Leworthy scoring the goal that kept the Northants club in the Conference; a goal which sparked an upturn in the club's fortunes that culminated in promotion to the Football League.

A transfer to London club Kingstonian produced some of Leworthy's happiest days including two FA Trophy-winning appearances at Wembley Stadium and a superb goal in a 4-2 FA Cup defeat at Luton Town that was broadcast on the BBC's Match of the Day. Whilst at Kingstonian, the now-veteran player enjoyed a testimonial match against old club, Tottenham Hotspur.

Leworthy's career began to draw to a close with a period at Conference South club Havant & Waterlooville that included a spell as manager. One of the most memorable moments of his spell at Havant was when he turned out for the club alongside his son, former Peterborough United apprentice, Craig.

Leworthy came out of retirement in 2006 for a brief second spell at Kingstonian.

[edit] Trivia

David's son, Craig Leworthy, was an occasional Bez-like figure for the critically-acclaimed former Top 40 indie band, Ricky.