The sports-mad popular head of Broughton Business and Enterprise College swapped the chance to become a professional footballer for teaching – although he managed to combine being a PE teacher with playing semi-professional for many years.

Now, after 12 years at the helm of the top Preston school, he is bowing out to spend more time on another sport – golf.

A lifelong Preston North End fan, Bob was born and raised in Out Rawcliffe near Preston and went to Baines Grammar School for boys before moving "down south."

He explained: "I started teaching in Buckinghamshire because I played semi-professional football for Wycombe Wanderers and was a PE teacher."

He was able to combine the two careers for many years before moving back to Lancashire – but not before he scored the winning goal in an FA Cup replay against Worcester City . . . and has the medal to prove it.

Bob was deputy headteacher at Alder Grange High in Rawtenstall before taking over the reins at Broughton and has never looked back.

He said: "As a boy I used to drive through Broughton crossroads on the way to PNE. Little did I know I would end my career there.

"Broughton has been the pinnacle of my career. There are some things I will miss desperately and that's the pupils because, after all, that's what we are here for.

"We've also got a fantastic staff here as well as very supportive parents.

"I'm really going to miss most aspects of the job, but for me, it is time to move on.

"My motto has been to do your best and be the best person you can and the greatest part of this job is just walking around in the lovely atmosphere because it is a happy place. And, when the Year 11s leave us it is great to see the affection they have for the school and staff."

Mr Davies decided to retire early after a health scare earlier in the year but hopes to continue in education in an advisory capacity.

He is a keen gardener and along with his golf-loving wife Linda hopes to join his two professional golfer sons in a pro-am tournament . . . and watch North End in the Premiership.