‘Scotty has changed my life in a lot of ways’ - Temi
Defender lauds player-manager after Rebels rise to 12th in the National League South
Defender Temi Eweka has shared his appreciation for Scott Davies on a week that’s seen the 35-year-old named ‘National League South Manager of the Week’ and put pen to paper with
Slough Town on a new contract.
After signing on a permanent basis from Maidenhead United in late August, Eweka has become one of Davies’ most trusted figures in the Rebels’ backline, playing 23 games in the league so far this season with two goals to boot.
The 24-year-old thoroughly impressed both Slough Town’s staff and supporters in two loan spells last season, helping the club win 19 points in the 15 matches he was involved in – a considerable contribution towards the Rebels maintaining their National League South status.
Despite giving away a penalty on Saturday, Eweka was robust in the Rebels’ 2-1 victory over Maidstone United and he was equally crucial in their 1-1 draw with Worthing on Tuesday, making one magnificent goal line clearance.
Speaking to the Express this week, Eweka said: “Scotty has changed my life in a lot of ways that he probably won’t understand. He has given me belief in football again. He lets me go out there and express myself with a smile on my face and that’s when the best performances come out from a player.
“Every player just wants to be loved. They might not admit it but every player wants an arm around their shoulder. That’s what Scotty has given me. Scotty and the fans are why I came back to Slough. Once I knew that the door was closed from Maidenhead, Slough was my first and only pick. To hear Scotty is staying for another two years is great for the club. He is a great manager and an even better person that anyone would love to play for.
“You have to surround yourself with good people and then good things will come to you. I am sure at the beginning of the season, many people would have written Slough off [for promotion] but with Scotty in the changing room, anything can happen.”
On the recent results which have lifted the Rebels to 12th in the table, Eweka added: “Not many teams will go to Worthing and win so we will take that point.
“We were happy to be 1-0 up at halftime. It wasn’t the best goal we’ve ever scored but we definitely deserved it because of the amount of chances we had. I think we could have got ourselves further in front but in the second half, against the wind, we just couldn’t get out. We were kicking the ball, it was swirling back towards us, and bodies had to be thrown on the line.
“On Saturday, we were great. You can quote me if I am wrong but that win shows there aren’t going to be many teams in our league with 11 players better than us.
“I really believe in what Scotty has built and what the team has to offer. We are going into every game confident, not fearing anyone. At the end of the day, it’s 11 men against 11 men on a football pitch and we thoroughly believe in our ability.”
Slough Town travel to the Crabble Athletic Ground this weekend to face Dover Athletic. Though they prop up the National League South table in
24th place, Eweka says his side must remain focused.
“I think there is nothing more dangerous than a team with nothing to lose, a team that will have their backs against the wall. I feel like these games are probably harder than the ones against the Maidstone’s or the Worthing’s because you have to do more to get up for it.
“We’re going to be up for it because in our changing room, we know what we’re capable of. We won’t put it out there but we know how close we are to achieving something great. We have to go to Dover and get a win. They will be a good side, I know a couple of their players and they will be hungry to impress. It will be a good game.”