Cleal delighted to snap up experienced Davies
BISHOP’S Cleeve have signed experienced forward Steve Davies.
The former Hartpury student has previously been on the books of Cirencester Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gloucester City, Shortwood United, Mangotsfield United, Yate Town and Evesham United, where he spent last season.
He now joins an exciting front line, with Elliot Kennedy, Mikey and Lee Davis and Jack Watts also at boss Steve Cleal’s disposal.
Cleal said: “I tried to sign Steve a couple of years back when we were in the Southern League but the move didn’t happen and when I heard he was going to be leaving Evesham I thought I would chance my arm and see if he would be interested in coming to Cleeve.
“I discussed my ambitions, my expectations and the clubs and he went away thought about it and then agreed to sign after Thursday night’s training session
“His quality was there to see and his experience with the lads will be a real asset and he has fitted in nicely with the group already - plus he’s a winner so that works for me.”
Davies added: “Having met with the manager and heard his ambitions and desires and being local to the club it made it hard to say no to Cleeve.
“Now I am here I am looking forward to the season ahead and us to be pushing all the way.”
Cleeve have named left-back Adam Mace as their club captain for 2019/20.
Mace re-joined the Mitres at the start of last season and went on to put in some impressive performances for the Kayte Lane side, picking up the supporters’ player of the year award.
He wore the armband last year when captain Jordan Staten was unavailable and despite some other candidates worthy of the title, boss Steve Cleal has opted for Mace.
“When you have the likes of Elliot Kennedy, Ash Davies), Liam Wright, Freddie Ward, Jack Watts and y Steve Davies, there are lots of worthy candidates for captain and that is going to be huge for us this year,” Cleal said.
“But for me Mace was the one wanted to lead the troops.
“He was almost an ever present and he performs consistently week in week out and the lads can see his qualities so I was delighted when he accepted the captaincy and he is already relishing the role.”
Mace turned down offers from Southern League clubs to remain at the Mitres and was delighted when he was asked to be club captain.
“I’m honoured to accept the captaincy at the club that gave me an opportunity at the age of 16,” he said.
“It was a ‘no brainer’ for me after the near miss of last season I am excited to go again and to lead the boys out this year every week will be one I relish.”
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