
Terry Butcher spotted the potential of Moor Green’s big old-fashioned centre-half but was sacked before Dave signed. Within a year the former insurance man who developed late was in the first team. After working hard on his game he became a regular under Phil Neal after the sales of Atherton and Babb and was an ever-present in 1994-95 until he suffered a groin injury. His days looked numbered under Big Ron’s regime but in 1995-96 he regained his place and was building a good partnership with Richard Shaw when tragedy struck at Old Trafford. In a sickening but accidental collision with Dennis Irwin Dave suffered a compound fracture of his leg. Despite numerous operations he never played again, unless you count an emotional testimonial game against Manchester United in 1997 when Eric Cantona made what would turn out to be his final game for United. Now employed as head of Football in the Community with Coventry City.
• Central defender
• Joined from Moor Green (aged 25 years 1 month) under Bobby Gould
• Retired (aged 29 years 4 months) under Gordon Strachan
• Substitute appearances: 4
• Unused substitute: 11
• Bookings: 4
• Sent off: 1
Own goals (2)
1995-96
25 October 1995 v Tottenham Hotspur H
7 February 1996 v Manchester City H
Red cards (1)
1995-96
6 January 1996 v Plymouth Argyle A, professinal foul































































































































































