Kelvin's 300: Tributes paid by former teammates

Davis is credited by a number of ex-colleagues as an ambassador for the dressing room and the club as whole, while the landmark figure of appearances was also heralded as a mantle to treasure.

In fact, there were so many messages for SKD (Super Kelvin Davis), that we’ve split them into two parts which will be published today and tomorrow (Friday).

Here’s the first batch of messages from a clutch of Davis’s former teammates:

"Kelv for me is the representation of Southampton FC. After the first training session I knew the standards of how the boys talked both to and with each other and what the club stood for. He organised all the nights out and the only negative was that it was always my card that had to be put down as a deposit!! I will never forget the barbeque at his place and the outfit he wore, he pulled it off though haha!!"

- Jos Hooiveld

"Kelvin has always been the gaffer in the dressing room!!! His commitment and drive to be a success as a person passes on to his teammates and has driven Southampton forward from that dressing room over the years. I've shared unbelievable memories with Kelv and probably at the expense of others!!!! He can switch on the practical jokes and be back as SKD ready to train with fire in his belly within minutes. Most importantly, a true friend and gent who I miss seeing in my dressing room every day!"

- Danny Butterfield

"SKD is a top keeper, top professional and a top man. One of the nicest guys in football and a massive influence on the whole dressing room. All keepers are a bit mad, and Kelv is no exception. I'm not surprised at all Kelv has been at the top for such a long time, one of the best keepers I've played with. Congrats mate."

- Lee Barnard

"Congratulations on reaching such a milestone. I'd like to say here's to another 300 but I think that may even be out the reach of SKD. Nothing but fond memories of Kelv, on and off the pitch. A fantastic player, and great leader, but more importantly a top guy. Keep up the good work, love Chappy (your favourite baldy) x"

- Richard Chaplow

"99% of my memories of me and Kelv are unprintable so I'll go boring: best keeper I've played with by a mile, great professional and great friend! Congratulations big boy!!!"

- Paul Wotton

"Kelv was my roomy for a couple of years at Southampton. I was only young at the time but he was always full of good advice on and off the pitch which has helped me massively in my career. He's a true professional and leader, and I've gotta say he's one if the funniest guys I've had the pleasure of playing with!! Well done Super!" 

- Drew Surman 

"I have the utmost respect for Kelvin Davis! He was a huge influence on me during my time at Southampton and the rock that got us back to back promotion. He is a complete comic while always remaining professional and the best captain I have worked with. I feel very lucky to have played with him and been captained by him and even luckier to say he is a great friend!! He's completely dedicated to Southampton and I wouldn't be surprised to see him manage them one day!"

- Dan Harding