Time running out for Bolton to re-sign Davies

Lawrie Madden
Saturday 09 December 2006 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The future of the Bolton striker Kevin Davies is firmly in the balance. The Sheffield-born player is out of contract at the end of the season and has so far failed to reach agreement on a new contract, and with time running out a parting of the ways looks likely.

If an agreement is not agreed quickly Bolton have to decide whether to sell Davies during the January transfer window for a fee or allow the 29-year-old to become a free agent in the summer. Davies' availability has alerted Newcastle and Tottenham, who are both looking to boost their strike force. Davies has been a regular in the Bolton front line and would appear to be proven at this level even if his goals-to-game ratio is not as high as others. Last season he scored eight goals in 47 games and this season he scored twice in 15 appearances. But his ability in the air and to lead the line is a perfect foil for his team.

Davies has rebuilt his career at the Reebok under the manager Sam Allardyce who signed him on a free in 2003 after a short trial. Before that a £7m move to Blackburn from Southampton proved disastrous as he struggled to score goals. But Davies ignored the omens not to go back to a former club and returned to Southampton in a swap deal with Egil Ostenstad. Davies had a loan spell with Millwall before being released at the end of the 2003 season.

Davies' chances of Premiership football appeared remote until Allardyce offered him a lifeline. Davies seized his opportunity and after a short trial signed a one-year deal in the summer of 2003. During his four-year spell Davies has been voted the players' player of the year and helped Bolton to qualify for Europe. Allardyce's managerial style and direct tactics were seemingly ideal for Davies. Until now, that is.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in