Joe Davis´ story is one of resilience, consistency, and an uncanny knack for finding the net from the most unexpected of positions. Born in Glasgow on 22 May 1941, Davis forged a career that blended defensive solidity with attacking prowess, leaving an indelible mark on Hibernian’s golden era of the 1960s.

PART ONE

After plying his trade with Shettleston Juniors and later Third Lanark, Davis earned his big break when Jock Stein, already demonstrating his managerial acumen, brought him to Hibernian during the 1964-65 season. The timing of his arrival could not have been more dramatic, as he was signed on the very same day that Irish international John Parke departed for Sunderland. What’s more, fate had a peculiar sense of humour, as Davis made his debut against none other than his former club, Third Lanark. The result? A resounding 5-0 victory for Stein’s Hibernian, with Neil Martin bagging a hat-trick and Willie Hamilton adding a brace, setting the tone for the impact Davis would have at Easter Road.

However, Davis’ Hibernian career nearly hit an early stumbling block when he was struck down by appendicitis just a week after his debut. It was the kind of cruel twist of fate that could derail a player’s momentum, but Davis was cut from a different cloth. In a feat that would leave even modern-day medical experts scratching their heads, he missed only three games before returning to action, slotting seamlessly back into the side in a 2-1 victory over Partick Thistle at Easter Road.

This remarkable recovery was a mere preview of his resilience, as he would go on to play an astonishing 272 consecutive matches in all competitions, many of them as captain. To put that into perspective, in an era where the game was far less forgiving on the body, and pitches resembled quagmires rather than billiard tables, such a record was nothing short of herculean.

Davis wasn’t just a defensive rock—he was also a prolific goal scorer, an unusual trait for a left-back. Over his career at Easter Road, he netted an impressive 47 goals, with a substantial portion coming from the penalty spot. Indeed, his first-ever goal for the club came in such fashion, as Hibs embarked on a tour of North America in the summer of 1965. A 9-2 demolition of the British Columbia All Stars saw Davis announce himself on the scoresheet, and from that moment on, his penchant for penalty-taking became an invaluable asset for Hibernian.

What truly elevated Davis to cult status was his almost telepathic relationship with Hibs’ outside left, Eric Stevenson. The trickery of Stevenson made him a magnet for opposition tackles inside the penalty area, and thus, a recurring theme emerged in the Scottish footballing press was that Davis scored from the spot after Stevenson was brought down in the box.

This partnership bore such fruit that, astonishingly, in the 1966-67 season, Davis shared the honour of being Hibernian’s joint-top league goal scorer alongside Peter Cormack. It is a rare achievement for a full-back to claim such a distinction, and it further underlined his attacking contributions to the side.

PART TWO

During his time at Easter Road, Davis was no stranger to high-stakes encounters. He played a pivotal role in numerous marquee matches, including a League Cup Final, the famous New Year’s Day derby triumph over Hearts in 1965, when Willie Hamilton scored a scarcely believable winner from the bye-line, and Hibs’ record 11-1 demolition of Hamilton Academical.

Perhaps the most memorable of all was the legendary European night at Easter Road, when Hibernian dismantled the mighty Napoli 5-0. This was no ordinary Napoli side; it was one that boasted the great Dino Zoff between the sticks. Yet, Davis and his teammates produced a performance of the ages, one that still reverberates in the annals of the club’s history. His jersey from that famous night remains proudly displayed at Easter Road, a testament to his contributions on one of Hibs’ greatest evenings.

Despite his unwavering consistency, all great runs must eventually come to an end. Davis’ last goal for Hibernian fittingly came from the penalty spot in a 1-0 home victory over Aberdeen on 29 March 1969. However, his final appearance in green and white was far less celebratory—a 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Ayr United on 30 August 1969. It was a match that signaled the end of an era, as manager Bob Shankly resigned soon after, bringing an abrupt conclusion to Davis’ incredible unbroken run in the first team.

By this stage, Davis had grown unsettled at Easter Road. Having submitted multiple transfer requests, it was only a matter of time before he sought pastures new. His destination was English football’s Second Division, where he signed for Carlisle United, eager to embark on a new challenge.

Though his time at Hibernian eventually came to a close, Davis’ legacy remains undeniable. His 272 consecutive appearances, his astonishing goal tally for a full-back, and his role in some of the club’s most memorable matches all serve as a reminder of his immense contribution.