FORMER Oxford United player Scott Davies has managed to help turn an online trend into money for the NHS – smashing his initial target.

In response to the coronavirus lockdown which halted the football season, many players and supporters started putting pictures on social media to remind them of happier times.

Along with friend Max Howell, manager at Southall in west London, Davies decided to set up a fundraising page and encouraged people to donate when they posted the photos online.

Having set out with a target of £1,000, the total is now more than £1,900, with ex-Reading boss Brian McDermott among those to donate.

Davies, who has also hosted an online quiz to help boost the total, said: “Everyone was putting up pictures with their memories in football.

“I thought if everyone is doing it why don’t we try to give it a purpose – to support the NHS.

“Football gets a bad name and I just wanted to do something good.

“We said it’s not about us trying to save the world, but we want to make it more personable and go into an A&E ward whether it’s by buying some pizzas or drinks, just to say thanks.”

Davies’ day job is to deliver seminars on the dangers of gambling, having himself fallen into trouble.

Now closing in on five years since his last bet, the midfielder tours the EFL clubs during the season to tell players his story.

When the lockdown came in there were 16 clubs left to visit this season, including United, but there are plans to deliver them virtually.

A potentially bigger issue at the moment is at-risk players who have extra time on their hands.

Davies, who also played for Oxford City, said: “We have had quite a large number of calls in the last few days with people worried about their relationship with gambling.

“Boredom does kick in and they are trying to replace that buzz of playing.

“It could be dangerous so we try to get people to speak out as much as we can.

“There are still things out there you can bet on – there’s even a market for esports (online gaming).

“It’s never going to go away, we just want people to do it responsibly.”