Exclusive: Birmingham City midfielder David Davis on loan to Charlton – and lure of working with former Blues star Lee Bowyer
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
David Davis has revealed how learning off Lee Bowyer was a huge attraction – describing it as a
“no-brainer” to join Charlton Athletic on loan.
The 28-year-old adds established Championship know-how to the Addicks squad after arriving from Birmingham City on transfer deadline day.
Bowyer also played for the Blues and scored in a 1-0 victory over Wolves, where Davis began his career, in a Premier League encounter in November 2009.
“The move to Charlton came about 8.30pm [on Friday],” said Davis. “It was pretty late. I was told to go to Birmingham’s training ground to sign everything off.
“It was a no-brainer for me. I’d played against Charlton earlier in the season and they had been a really hard side to play against.
“Seeing that they were in trouble surprised me, but I didn’t know about the injuries they had which affected them.
“Lee Bowyer played my position and he had a fantastic career. I was pretty aware of him because I was at Wolves and I remember him scoring at Molineux.
“I spoke to Roger Johnson and he said nothing but good things about him. I think he can help to improve me as a player.”
Davis’ temporary exit from St Andrews did not go down well with the Midlands club’s fanbase – at least if you looked at the comments when Birmingham’s official Twitter account confirmed the switch.
“For me it is all about getting games,” said Davis, who had featured 15 times in the league for City in the current campaign. “I need to be playing to get the most out of my career.
“I’m contracted there for another year, so as things stand my future is still there.”
Millwall were also thought to be in the mix for Davis before they brought in Ryan Woods from Stoke City.
He played under Lions manager Gary Rowett at Birmingham, who was thought to also be keen on a reunion when he took the reins at Derby County.
“I was aware of their [Millwall’s] interest but it wasn’t meant to be,” said Davis. “At that time I was pretty disappointed but I ended up playing some more games for Birmingham.
“You could see in my performances that whenever I step on the pitch I’m 100 per cent committed to any situation I’m in.
“I just want to get on with my football and see where it takes me.”
Davis has been embroiled in relegation battles during his time on Birmingham’s books – he was recognised by the club’s supporters and his fellow pros as their Player of the Season in the 206-17 season.
While he shares the name of a British politician tasked with taking the UK out of the European Union, the footballer’s aim is for Charlton to stay in the Championship.
So what is key to making sure they are successful in doing that?
“It’s just getting the basics right and working hard for each other,” said Davis. “If everyone is on the same page and willing to do that then the rest takes care of itself.
“Once you get that connection in terms of team spirit then you’ll go far. The club have been very unlucky with injuries but it doesn’t seem to have knocked their confidence, it’s a really good environment to come into.
“I came down and watched the boys on Saturday [a 2-1 victory over Barnsley] – it was a great result and a great performance.
“It was always going to be a fight in the situation we’re in. But from what I’ve seen we have got more than enough to do well in the league. I can’t wait to get out there and help the boys pick up some points.
“I’m a box-to-box midfielder, mainly a defensive midfielder. I do the dirty work, clean up and let others flourish around me.
“I’ll give my all and put a few tackles in.
“That age and experience may help some of the lads around me.
“I’d like to think the experience I’ve got in this league will put me in good stead coming into the run in.”