Return Of Andrew Davies

Andrew Davies

It was announced last Friday we had signed Andrew Davies on loan til the end of the season. He rejoins the club for a 2^nd time. I remember him last time playing a lot of his games for us at Right Back which of course he did a decent job. I remember one goal he set up getting forward and crossing it over for Rochemback to score.

It’s not Andrew’s best position, I see him as an out and out Centre Back. He’s not had the best of times at Stoke. Not featuring in the first team squad and no reserve games. What’s that all about? Stoke don’t play reserve games. That’s a new one to me. When Tony Mowbray heard from Stoke that Davies was available. Tony wanted to see him train. Rightly so after very little football action in the last 18 months. With all the bad weather over December it was a frustrating time for Boro and Andrew as they mainly trained in doors.

Andrew managed to play in a reserve game before he was called back to Stoke as talks between the clubs broke down for what ever reason. The transfer Window passed and we played Swansea at home, we really missed our Captain Matthew Bates Experience at the back. It was a young back four and a few silly mistakes costed us that day and we left the Riverside empty handed.

I listened to the radio after the match and fans were slating the Defenders and Goal Keeper. Saying we need experience at the back. I agree with it to some extent. A talker at the back will help these young lads. The silly goals against Swansea that we give them due to individual errors will only help these young players become better players. You have to start somewhere and the youngsters are learning all the time. We were always going to miss Matthew Bates once Wheater left heavily relying on our skipper.

In comes Andrew straight into the team for game with Millwall. Set up with 5 at the back. Davies threw himself at everything, making vital blocks, headers and crunching tackles. A fine 2^nd debut!

All that frustration of not playing for so long all out the way and a great 3 pts for Boro at an intimidating Den, to make Millwall good home record come to an end. Get In! Andrew spoke after the game on radio, he comes across really down to earth lad, full of passion, commitment, determination to do well for this Club one he cares about. He can’t wait for the next game he’s Hungary and his experience will be vital in the coming weeks.

Welcome Back Andrew!

First Printed in FMTTM Fanzine v QPR Saturday 26 February 2011

Hey Joe

Joe was given his debut by Gareth Southgate away to West Ham in last game of the 2008/2009 Season. One that sealed our relegation from the Premier League. He was one of the bright spots on a miserable day. Franks was also given his debut at Upton Park. Mixed emotions for the youngsters that day.

The young left back got a taste of first team action last season under the previous managers and at one stage wanted a loan move as he was frustrated and down under the previous manager. Tony Mowbray give him a new lease of life give him confidence and belief to go out and enjoy his football.

Joe recently agreed a long contract deal with the club and this week was called up to the Under 21 Squad to play Italy. Joe was given his England U21 debut and played the full game. I seen bits of the game and commentators Ben Andrews and Jason Cundy mentioned in commentary Tidy play by Joe and quick feet quite a lot. He had a good game but couldn’t help England avoid defeat as Ben Mee conceded a late pen and got sent off. Man United Macheda put away the pen to give Italy a one nil win.

Joe got a huge future if he keeps progressing. Quick Feet to take people out the game, looks composed on the ball. Set up an assist for Boyd at Scunthorpe with a good run and link up play with Arca and McDonald. Got a lot still to learn defensively at times that will come with more games and listening to coaches to improve on his mistakes. Will help him that his England U21 Manager Stuart Pearce played at Left back. First of many U21caps I think.

Let’s hope for more mazy runs and assists from Joe in 2^nd half of the season and even a goal would be nice. If it’s anything like the run and step overs to beat players at leeds then certainty be up there for goal of the season.

Finally good news that the club signed a lot of the academy players on longer term deals. Let’s hope we have learned from letting our academy contracts run out and get littler fees and keep our local talent.

Printed in FMTTM Fanzine V Swansea Saturday 12 February 2011