DAVIES: BIG SAM WAS MY ADVISOR Port boss Kev reveals influence
THERE were moments during Kevin Davies’ first full training session as the Southport manager that left a telling impression.
As Davies laid out what he expected from his new squad in meticulous detail, he referred to the videos he had spent hours scrutinising, assessing how players can improve their own game, what his team can do better and where they can exploit the weaknesses he has identified in opposing sides.
Two days into his first job in management and already Davies was looking to use his analysis to gain an advantage, his level of preparation unmistakable and his coaching style very hands-on.
As a player, Davies’ career peaked under the management of Sam Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers, where the focus was on attention to detail and using technological advances to maximise performance levels.
Ten years may have passed since he worked with Allardyce, but the influence of his former mentor remains strong.
Davies was confirmed as Southport’s new manager on Wednesday, inheriting a team in 16th position in the National League North but determined to make a clean start.
Before taking the job, he sought the opinion of Allardyce, who was also among the first to offer his congratulations once Davies had taken the step into the brave new worlds of management and Non-League football.
Misconception
“Sam was obviously a massive influence on me, he gave me a chance and I learnt an awful lot from him,” said Davies, who has 446 Premier League appearances to his nam. “He’s a family friend and is someone I can speak to. Some people had a misconception about him in terms of style of play but he was ahead of his time.
“That’s something I’ll try to do, looking to find those small gains and little margins to win matches. It’s all about winning, that was drilled into us every day and it’s what I’ll be looking to bring here. “I’m a young, new manager and I’m keen to learn. My playing career is gone and I want to learn about this side of the game. “I’ve got myself in and around National League managers like John Still and Danny Cowley and I’ve been picking their brains. It’s about taking things from these people and putting my own stamp on them. I don’t think I’m learning on the job; I think that I’m ready.” With tactics board in hand, Davies cuts a focused, very professional figure on the training pitch and is also amiable off it. He arrives with an excellent standing in the game, and while the appointment is perhaps a bold move on both sides, Davies has a clear vision of what he wants and the work required to achieve it. “I bring a lot of energy, I’m driven and I want things to be done right,” he added. “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes. Things aren’t achieved by chance, it takes drilling and preparation. “I can’t help but be impressed by the vision for the club and I’m here because of the dream they’ve sold me. “It’s a challenge I wanted and I felt that it was all about the timing. Sometimes you get a feel for a club and I think this is right.”