A force to be reckoned with
Cobras boss Davies took up an invite from Sons gaffer Aitken and assistant Ian Durrant to watch them train.
His visit was part of Davies’ determination to leave no stone uncovered in his quest to become the best manager possible.
The Championship outfit have finished the highest non-full-time side in the country for the past two seasons.
Aitken – recently voted Manager of the Month for November – said: “It was great to have Paul along for a training session.
“You can see he was keen to learn and take ideas on board.
“I know myself I’m always learning and asking questions and it was good to see Paul do the same.
“That can only be good for Carluke FC and we wish them and Paul well for the future.”
Aitken rebuilt his squad in the summer after seeing five of last season’s stars land moves to fulltime clubs and has steered them to eighth in the second tier.
Davies – who recently had exAnnan manager Jim Chapman take a training session as a guest coach – admits getting the chance to rub shoulders with Aitken and Rangers great Durrant opened his eyes.
He said: “Having an opportunity to go into Dumbarton to continue my coaching development was fantastic.
“I can’t thank Stevie and Ian enough for the chance.
“From the minute I walked through the door they were open and approachable and offered advice on coaching drills and methods.
“During the coaching session Ian even took time out to explain things to me.
“He didn’t have to do that but it was greatly appreciated.
“When someone who has achieved so much in football speaks to you about the game you listen to every word.
“What Stevie has achieved as a part-time manager is nothing short of a miracle when you compare playing budgets with other teams in the league.
“It surely won’t be long until he gets a well-deserved opportunity to manage full-time.
“They have said I can go back to watch them anytime I want and it’s something I intend to do.
“But the one visit alone has given me a lot to think about and I’ll certainly use some of what I have learned in my management going forwards.”