Former Cheltenham Town player and assistant manager loses both parents to Covid-19 as he recovers from the virus

A former Cheltenham Town player and assistant manager has spoken of his devastation after losing both parents to coronavirus - while he was recovering from the disease.

Mike Davis, 64, spent almost three weeks in Cheltenham General Hospital with the virus last month.

Tragically, his father Doug died in the same hospital while he wasbeing treated there. He only found out when he came round and his wife Debra told him the news.

Mike’s mother Barbara died on Saturday (April 18) at home in Stoke Orchard, having spent her final days there after leaving Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Mike says he could have died himself, and praises NHS staff for aiding his recovery Credit: Gloucestershire Live/BPM Media

Mike is best known for being assistant to Steve Cotterill at Cheltenham Town in their hugely successful period during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

His father was 88 and his mother was 85, and both had underlying health issues.

The father-of-four, who says he also could have died from Covid-19, has described it as a 'devastating' time for his family.

Mike praised staff at Cheltenham General Hospital for putting themselves at risk to save his life. He describes his recovery as 'humbling'.

Apart from being a former assistant manager at the Robins, Mike also made a handful of first team appearances for the club as a player in the 1970s.

He also played for its youth and reserve teams.

As well as serving Cheltenham Town for many years, Mike also managed Cinderford Town.

His son Lee followed in his footsteps and has played for Cheltenham Town, Gloucester City and Cinderford and both he and his other son Mikey have played for Bishop's Cleeve.

Mike and his wife Debra also have another son, Shaun, and a daughter Amy - as well as three grandchildren.

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