David Davis (footballer)

David Lowell Davis (born 20 February 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for National League North club Kidderminster Harriers.

David Davis
Dark-skinned man wearing blue sports kit
Davis with Birmingham City in 2016
Personal information
Full name David Lowell Davis[1]
Date of birth (1991-02-20) 20 February 1991 (age 33)[2]
Place of birth Smethwick, England
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[2]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
Kidderminster Harriers
Youth career
0000–2007 Walsall
2007–2008 Tividale
2008–2009 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2014 Wolverhampton Wanderers 53 (0)
2009Darlington (loan) 5 (0)
2010Walsall (loan) 7 (0)
2011Shrewsbury Town (loan) 19 (2)
2011–2012Inverness CT (loan) 14 (1)
2012Chesterfield (loan) 9 (0)
2014–2021 Birmingham City 182 (10)
2020Charlton Athletic (loan) 5 (0)
2021–2022 Shrewsbury Town 48 (1)
2022–2024 Forest Green Rovers 12 (0)
2023Solihull Moors (loan) 2 (0)
2024– Kidderminster Harriers 14 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:11, 3 November 2024 (UTC)

Having trained with Walsall's Centre of Excellence as a boy, and then played local football for Tividale, Davis began a scholarship in Wolverhampton Wanderers' youth academy in 2007. He turned professional in 2009, and made his senior debut the same year while on loan to Darlington of League Two. He spent time on loan at three other clubs in the lower leagues – Walsall and Chesterfield of League One and League Two Shrewsbury Town – as well as at Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle, before making seven appearances for Wolves in the Premier League at the end of the 2011–12 season during their unsuccessful fight against relegation. Although playing fairly regularly in the Championship, he never established himself as a consistent member of the starting eleven as Wolves were again relegated. He fell out of favour the following season, and left for West Midlands neighbours Birmingham City in August 2014. He spent six and a half years with the club, during which he made nearly 200 appearances in all competitions and was voted Birmingham's Player of the Year for 2016–17 before falling out of favour and spending time on loan at Charlton Athletic. He was released by mutual consent in January 2021 and joined Shrewsbury Town. After 18 months, he was released and signed for Forest Green Rovers.

Early life and career

edit

Davis was born in Smethwick, Sandwell.[3] His older brother, Dion Scott, played as a defender in the Football League for Walsall and Kidderminster Harriers.[3][4]

Davis spent time in Walsall's Centre of Excellence as a boy,[5] and then played local youth football for Tividale. Spotted by Wolverhampton Wanderers as a 15-year-old, he had trials with the club and was given "a year to try and impress" before beginning a two-year scholarship in 2007.[6] According to his first-year academy profile, he was a midfielder who "shows good versatility and all round game" and was "adept in possession."[7] In 2009, Davis was one of seven academy players to sign professional contracts.[3]

Senior career

edit

First-team football on loan

edit

Davis joined League Two club Darlington on 22 October 2009 on a month's loan (later extended to January 2010[8]) to gain experience of first-team football.[9] According to manager Steve Staunton, who had watched him play against Arsenal Reserves, "he's combative, he's excellent on the ball, he's strong and he's a good passer".[10] He made his senior debut in the starting eleven at Barnet two days later; the Northern Echo reported that he "showed some promise" but "wasted a great scoring chance" when he beat the offside trap only for his lobbed shot to go over the bar.[11] In a 5–2 defeat at Chesterfield, he was used as the defensive organiser in a five-man midfield: the Echo's reporter described how he "sat in front of the back four and barked out orders" but thought his passing "left a lot to be desired".[12] After a 4–0 home defeat by Morecambe, Davis was one of five players left out.[13] He remained out of the side for three matches, then bad weather left Darlington without a match for several weeks, so he returned to his parent club.[14] He had played five league matches and once in the FA Cup.[15]

In September 2010 he went out on another month's loan, this time to League One club Walsall, where he had spent time as a junior.[16] The Birmingham Mail reported that on his debut, in a defeat at Rochdale, he had "a quiet first half but showed some impressive touches in the second period and fitted well into Walsall's 4–3–3 formation."[17] His captain, Darren Byfield, "thought David was superb. Usually when you have players who love to tackle and get in your face, they can't use the ball – but he was playing balls around the corners and off the strikers. You can see already he's not one of those who come from the Premiership thinking 'what am I doing here?' He's listening to people and his attitude is superb."[18] He played the whole of Walsall's six matches during his initial month, apart from the last 15 minutes against Swindon Town when he was stretchered off with an injured ankle.[19] The first five of those six – four losses and a draw – saw Walsall drop from 13th place to bottom of the table,[20][21] and, again according to the Mail, Davis "did as well as can be expected from a 19-year-old pitched into a team in freefall".[22] The loan was extended for another month, but because Wolves had injury problems, manager Mick McCarthy included a clause allowing them to recall him at 24 hours notice if they needed him.[23] Davis played just once more for Walsall before he was recalled. With three first-team midfielders unavailable, McCarthy included him on the bench for Wolves' Premier League visit to Chelsea; he remained unused.[24]

After more appearances on the first-team bench,[25] and a sending-off for a "reckless challenge" in a reserve-team local derby against West Bromwich Albion,[26] Davis signed for League Two Shrewsbury Town on 31 January 2011 on loan for a month,[27] later extended to the end of the campaign.[28] He went straight into the starting eleven and "combined a crispness in the tackle with an impressive range of passing" in what the Shropshire Star called "a highly intelligent display" as Shrewsbury beat Burton Albion 3–0.[29] He "rifled home a first time shot from just inside the box" for his first senior goal to equalise away to Northampton Town on 5 March; Shrewsbury won 3–2.[30] In all, Davis made 19 league appearances, all as a member of the starting eleven, and scored twice.[31] His second goal, on the final day of the regular season contributed to a 3–0 defeat of Oxford United, but Wycombe Wanderers' win meant Shrewsbury missed out on automatic promotion and went into the play-offs instead.[32] Davis played in both legs of the semi-final, in which his team lost on aggregate to Torquay United.[31]

Wolves debut and more loans

edit

During his time with Shrewsbury, Davis extended his contract with Wolves until 2013.[33] He made his debut for the club in the League Cup second-round tie away to Northampton Town on 23 August 2011, coming off the bench for the last few minutes as Wolves won 4–0.[34] A week later, he made yet another loan move, this time to Scottish Premier League (SPL) side Inverness Caledonian Thistle until January 2012.[35]

Ahead of his debut, he said he felt the intensity of the training sessions had improved his fitness, and while admitting that the standard of the SPL would be rather higher than he was used to, he hoped to prove himself ready and able to play regularly.[36] He started the match against Hearts on 10 September, a 1–1 draw in which he played 65 minutes, received a standing ovation,[37] and was the Scottish Express reporter's "calm and creative" man of the match.[38] He made 14 appearances in the SPL, all starts, and scored once,[39] with a curling shot from 20 yards (18 m) after three minutes of the 3–2 home defeat against Motherwell.[40] He also experienced his first senior sending-off;[41] after his "surging run" and cross set up a second-minute goal for Jonny Hayes against Dundee United,[42] he was yellow-carded for a tackle on Gary Mackay-Steven that caused a collision in which Davis's teammate Chris Hogg suffered serious knee damage.[43][44] Another foul on Mackay-Steven in the 83rd minute earned Davis a second yellow card.[43]

Manager Terry Butcher had hoped to keep Davis and two other loanees for the whole season, because they had all performed well and he had no budget to add to the squad,[45] but the player chose to return to England where he could go on loan somewhere closer to his parent club.[46] According to Butcher, Mick McCarthy "felt David had gone away a boy and returned a man, as regular SPL action had developed him physically and improved his match awareness."[47]

A few days after his spell at Inverness ended, Davis joined League One side Chesterfield on loan for three months.[48] He was ever-present over nine league matches and also played twice in the Football League Trophy, a cup competition open to teams from the third and fourth tiers of the Football League; a 3–1 aggregate win against Oldham Athletic in the Northern Final earned Chesterfield a place in the final itself.[41][49] On 6 March, he was recalled by Wolves' new manager, Terry Connor, after an injury to Karl Henry left Wolves in need of midfield cover.[50] Davis himself felt that the possibility of playing Premier League football for Wolves far outweighed the prospect of a Wembley final.[51]

First-team football with Wolves

edit

Davis made his Premier League debut in Wolves' 2–0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on 10 March 2012. He played 75 minutes before coming off with cramp,[52] and produced a "courageous performance"[53] that earned him the club's man-of-the-match award.[52] He kept his place for the next match, against Manchester United,[54] broke a rib in the first half,[55] but still went on to make seven top-flight appearances as the team unsuccessfully battled relegation.[39] Towards the end of the season, and despite having signed a new deal less than a year earlier, Davis signed a three-year contract to run until 2015.[33][56] In recognition of his performances, he received the club's Young Professional of the Season award.[57]

When Davis and other youngsters signed new deals in 2011, McCarthy had said they stood less chance of first-team football in the Premier League than when the team were playing in the Championship.[33] A year later and back in the Championship, Davis was in the team at the beginning of the season, but lost form and returned to the reserves. By November, he was again challenging for a first-team place, and manager Ståle Solbakken turned down the chance to re-sign Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, still regaining fitness after serious injury, preferring to let the home-grown product prove himself.[58] Davis featured regularly, but more often from the bench than in the starting eleven.[41]

Dean Saunders, appointed in January 2013 as Wolves' fourth manager in twelve months, brought Davis into the starting eleven as a holding midfielder alongside Karl Henry for two matches.[59][60] Those were his last starts until 16 March, when he returned against Bristol City, only to give the opposition the lead when his backpass went through the legs of goalkeeper Carl Ikeme. Wolves finished as 2–1 winners, but Ikeme was unable to play the second half after punching the tactics board in the dressing-room at half-time and breaking his hand.[61] Two weeks later, he "produced arguably his best display yet in a Wolves shirt"[62] when involved in all three goals in a 3–2 win away to Birmingham City that took his side out of the relegation positions.[63][64] His season was cut short when he suffered an ankle injury against Bolton Wanderers on 6 April which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, which ended in the club being relegated to League One.[65]

Davis began the 2013–14 season in the starting eleven under yet another new manager, Kenny Jackett, but soon lost his place amid competition from new signing Kevin McDonald and two younger midfielders, Lee Evans and Jack Price.[66] On his last start for Wolves, on 16 November,[41] he was reportedly fortunate not to be sent off before being substituted at half-time.[67] Thereafter he played only 54 minutes of first-team football[41] as the team were promoted back to the Championship at the first attempt,[68] and although Jackett insisted that he still had a future at the club, Davis became frustrated.[69] Ahead of the new season, Jackett suggested that, as there were at least four players more likely than Davis to be selected, a loan move would be best for him.[70] Barnsley of League One were interested,[66] but terms could not be agreed.[71]

Birmingham City

edit

On 11 August 2014, Davis moved to West Midlands neighbours Birmingham City of the Championship. Viewed as a replacement for Tom Adeyemi, who had just left for Cardiff City, Davis signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year. The fee was officially undisclosed,[72] but was variously reported as approaching[73] or around[74] £100,000 or as "a knockdown £150,000".[68] He made an "outstanding" debut the next day in the first-round League Cup win against Cambridge United, partnering captain Paul Caddis in central midfield,[73] and scored his first goal, a second-half equaliser away to Charlton Athletic on 4 October, with a "crisp drive inside the post from a tight angle".[75]

Regular football improved his confidence and with it his effectiveness.[76] Under Lee Clark, he started regularly but was often substituted; under Gary Rowett, who replaced Clark in late October, he played every minute of Birmingham's league fixtures, usually partnering Stephen Gleeson in a 4–2–3–1 formation, until injuring a knee in mid-February.[41][77] He missed the 4–3 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion, in which the local newspaper attributed Birmingham's defensive frailties to his absence.[78] On his return, away at Ipswich Town, his presence achieved more in attack than defence, twice – with a header and then with a volley – restoring Birmingham to only one goal behind before Ipswich secured a 4–2 win in stoppage time.[79] Rowett signed Nottingham Forest midfielder Robert Tesche on loan on 2 March. Initially he played alongside Davis in place of the suspended Gleeson,[80] and then as part of a three-man midfield, but when Rowett reverted to 4–2–3–1, it was Davis who missed out.[41][81]

 
Davis with Birmingham City in April 2016

According to the Birmingham Mail's end-of-season review, "for most of the season no other midfielder could challenge [Davis] in terms of energy, tackles, clearances or blocks",[81] and he was a close second to 16-goal striker Clayton Donaldson as their player of the season.[82] Nevertheless, he lost his starting spot to new signing Maikel Kieftenbeld, and Rowett thought that his anxiety to regain his place in the team made him try too hard when coming on as a substitute.[83][84] After a strong performance in the League Cup against Premier League Aston Villa, Davis started and played well in two consecutive away wins,[84] but his next start did not come until mid-March. Away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, he came close to scoring the winning goal[85] and, according to Rowett, "controlled the match with his physicality. He gets about the place, he holds people off and comes out with the ball. He does that really, really well."[86] The club promptly took up their option for a further year on his contract,[85] and Rowett said they were considering an extension until 2018.[87] Davis scored his first goal of the season in the penultimate match, a "brilliant half-volley from the edge of the area" after the ball was not fully cleared by the defence, to secure a draw at home to Middlesbrough.[88] Although he started a third fewer Championship matches than in 2014–15,[41] he established himself in the team towards the end of the season because of what the Birmingham Mail viewed as the stability he gave to the side.[89]

Although the return of Tesche on a permanent contract seemed likely to endanger Davis's first-team place,[90] he began the 2016–17 season in the starting eleven. He was booked in each of the first four matches, but two goals and a series of strong performances meant that when the fifth booking finally arrived in mid-October, he came straight back into the side after serving his suspension.[90][91] He was named man of the match in the Second City derby against Aston Villa.[92] Initially used on the right of midfield to counteract the attacking threat of Jordan Amavi, he moved into a more familiar central role after David Cotterill entered the match, and within minutes scored the equalising goal with a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area.[93] The goal earned him the club's Moment of the Season award.[94]

January 2017 began with six months left on his contract and the club linked with signings in midfield; new manager Gianfranco Zola confirmed that Davis had "a big future" with the club, that Zola and the staff trusted him and that agreement on a new contract was imminent.[95][96] On 13 January – amid reports of Davis being a transfer target for divisional rivals Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers and Fulham[97] and two days after Birmingham re-signed midfielder Craig Gardner[98] – he signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract.[99] In a struggling side, that avoided relegation only by winning the last two matches of the campaign, Davis set personal bests in terms of league goals (4) and Championship starts (40) – despite missing four matches through suspension after finishing with the worst disciplinary record in the division.[94][100][91] He was recognised both by the club's supporters and by its players as player of the season.[94]

Davis was again a fixture in the 2017–18 starting eleven despite a regular turnover of managers. Harry Redknapp's attempts to sign defensive midfielders such as Afriyie Acquah and Alex Song fell through,[101] and the club turned down an offer of "around £1.5 million" for Davis to link up with Rowett at Derby County.[102] The player welcomed a period of intensive training under successor Steve Cotterill, and hoped it would boost his performance to the standards he admitted not having reached thus far.[103] In November, Cotterill chose Davis to captain the team when Michael Morrison was not in the starting eleven,[104] but the experiment did not last. Through Christmas and January, he was used in a more advanced role as part of a stable starting eleven that produced a series of wins that lifted the team out of the relegation places;[105] he scored twice, in 3–1 wins against Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, and his assist in the latter match was "evidence of how effective he can be running in behind".[106]

Injuries to Davis and others coincided with a dip in the team's form, and in early March, Cotterill was replaced as manager by Garry Monk.[107] The knee problem kept Davis out until he was safe from suspension for 10 yellow cards; he returned to the team as a late substitute in a 3–0 win against Hull City,[108][109] and started the remaining eight matches of the season in the centre of a 4–4–2 formation[41][110] as Birmingham again avoided relegation on the final day.[111] He ended the campaign with 38 league appearances and 14 yellow cards,[109] and signed a one-year extension to his contract to take its expiry date to 2021.[112]

Davis fractured an ankle in training in early July 2018 and required surgery.[113] He returned to action on 12 February 2019, as a late substitute, and finished the season with 11 appearances.[114]

On 14 January 2021, Davis was released by Birmingham City after six and a half years at the club.[115]

Charlton Athletic loan

edit

On 31 January 2020, Davis moved to Championship club Charlton Athletic on loan for the rest of the 2019–20 season.[116] On 1 June 2020, Charlton manager Lee Bowyer confirmed Davis' refusal to play for the club ahead of the resumption of the 2019–20 EFL Championship season, following the suspension of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[117]

Shrewsbury Town

edit

On 15 January 2021, Davis rejoined League One club Shrewsbury Town – where he had played on loan ten years earlier – until the end of the 2020–21 season.[118][119] After a period in self-isolation because of contact with someone with COVID-19, he made his first appearance on 2 February, playing just behind the forwards for the last few minutes of a defeat at home to Crewe Alexandra.[120]

On 12 May 2021 it was announced that he would leave Shrewsbury at the end of the season, following the expiry of his contract.[121] He returned to the club on 13 July 2021.[122]

Forest Green Rovers

edit

On 17 June 2022, Davis agreed to join newly promoted League One side Forest Green Rovers when his Shrewsbury Town contract expired.[123]

On 30 January 2023, Davis joined National League club Solihull Moors on loan until the end of the season.[124]

He was released following relegation to the National League at the end of the 2023–24 season.[125]

Kidderminster Harriers

edit

On 16 July 2024, Davis joined National League North side Kidderminster Harriers.[126]

Style of play

edit

On joining Walsall as a 19-year-old, Davis described himself as "the type of player who likes to break things down and do what I call the 'nitty-gritty'. I like to get stuck in and work hard".[5] He is primarily a defensive midfielder, reportedly priding himself on "ball-winning ground-covering defensive midfield work";[127] his major contribution to his team comes from "flying around midfield winning the ball and disrupting the opposition".[128] Lee Clark suggested he looks best when using his power and strength and keeping his use of the ball simple.[129] Dean Saunders mentioned his "winning mentality";[130] according to the Birmingham Mail's Brian Dick, "when Blues are down no-one leads by example quite as much as Davis".[131]

Career statistics

edit
As of match played 2 November 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2009–10[15] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010–11[31] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2011–12[39] Premier League 7 0 0 0 1 0 8 0
2012–13[132] Championship 28 0 1 0 3 0 32 0
2013–14[133] League One 18 0 1 0 1 0 1[a] 0 21 0
2014–15[134] Championship 0 0 0 0
Total 53 0 2 0 5 0 1 0 61 0
Darlington (loan) 2009–10[15] League Two 5 0 1 0 6 0
Walsall (loan) 2010–11[31] League One 7 0 7 0
Shrewsbury Town (loan) 2010–11[31] League Two 19 2 2[b] 0 21 2
Inverness Caledonian Thistle (loan) 2011–12[39] Scottish Premier League 14 1 1 0 15 1
Chesterfield (loan) 2011–12[39] League One 9 0 2[a] 0 11 0
Birmingham City 2014–15[134] Championship 42 3 1 0 1 0 44 3
2015–16[135] Championship 35 1 1 0 3 0 39 1
2016–17[91] Championship 41 4 2 0 0 0 43 4
2017–18[109] Championship 38 2 1 0 2 1 41 3
2018–19[114] Championship 11 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
2019–20[136] Championship 15 0 1 0 0 0 16 0
2020–21[137] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 182 10 6 0 6 1 194 11
Charlton Athletic (loan) 2019–20[136] Championship 5 0 5 0
Shrewsbury Town 2020–21[137] League One 21 0 0 0 21 0
2021–22[138] League One 27 1 2 0 1 0 2[c] 0 32 1
Total 48 1 2 0 1 0 2 0 53 1
Forest Green Rovers 2022–23[139] League One 12 0 1 0 2 0 2[c] 0 17 0
2023–24[140] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 12 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 17 0
Solihull Moors (loan) 2022–23[41] National League 2 0 2 0
Kidderminster Harriers 2024–25[41][141] National League North 14 1 4 0 0 0 18 1
Career total 370 15 17 0 14 1 9 0 410 16
  1. ^ a b Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in League Two play-offs
  3. ^ a b Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours

edit

Wolverhampton Wanderers

References

edit
  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Birmingham City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 7. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Birmingham City FC Player Profiles: David Davis". Birmingham City F.C. Archived from the original on 30 April 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Special Feature: Making the grade". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 24 March 2009. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  4. ^ "David Davis". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  5. ^ a b "David Davis wants Walsall spot". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  6. ^ "Davis hoping for more to come". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 27 July 2012. Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  7. ^ "Academy player profiles". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 23 October 2007. Archived from the original on 15 December 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  8. ^ Richardson, Andy (21 November 2009). "Staunton hails return of lighter, brighter Whelan". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  9. ^ "Davis to Darlington". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 22 October 2009. Archived from the original on 24 October 2009. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  10. ^ Stoddart, Craig (24 October 2009). "Staunton has high hopes of his new loan signings". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  11. ^ Stoddart, Craig (24 October 2009). "Quakers pay for missed first half opportunities". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  12. ^ Richardson, Andy (23 November 2009). "Battling Quakers let it slip". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  13. ^ Stoddart, Craig (1 December 2009). "Quakers ring the changes". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  14. ^ Richardson, Andy (6 January 2010). "Bad weather proves snow problem for Quakers". The Northern Echo. Darlington. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  15. ^ a b c "Games played by David Davis in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  16. ^ "Wolverhampton Wanderers David Davis agrees Walsall loan". BBC Sport. 9 September 2010. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  17. ^ Evans, Gregg (13 September 2010). "Walsall FC: Chris Hutchings upbeat despite defeat". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  18. ^ Beardmore, Michael (16 September 2010). "Byfield says Saddlers must share the blame after away day horror". Walsall Advertiser. p. 88.
  19. ^ "Walsall FC: Reuben Reid urges club to go back to basics". Birmingham Mail. 20 September 2010. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  20. ^ "Walsall football club match record: 2011". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  21. ^ "Walsall league performance history: League One table after close of play on 10 September 2010" and "02 October 2010". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  22. ^ "Andrew Davies joins Walsall on loan from Stoke City". Birmingham Mail. 7 October 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
  23. ^ "Saddlers extend Davis deal". Sky Sports. 5 October 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
  24. ^ "Wolves recall David Davis at Walsall". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 21 October 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
    Phillips, Owen (23 October 2010). "Chelsea 2–0 Wolverhampton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  25. ^ "Keogh switch to City". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 31 January 2011. Archived from the original on 8 March 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  26. ^ "West Brom 1 Wolves 0: Baggies reserves come out on top". Birmingham Mail. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  27. ^ "Wolves loan young midfielder David Davis to Shrews". BBC Sport. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  28. ^ "Shrewsbury Town extend David Davis loan from Wolves". BBC Sport. 8 March 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  29. ^ Garrison, James (2 February 2011). "Shrewsbury Town 3 Burton Albion 0 – match report". Shropshire Star. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  30. ^ Garrison, James (7 March 2011). "Northampton 2 Shrewsbury 3 – match report". Shropshire Star. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  31. ^ a b c d e "Games played by David Davis in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  32. ^ "Shrews miss out on promotion". Sky Sports. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  33. ^ a b c "Contracts finalised for young quintet". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 25 March 2011. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2018. I know supporters love to see home-grown players coming through – well so do we. ... I love to see the young players get through. But they will only do it if they are good enough and it is certainly harder for them now. At one stage we were feeding players into a Championship team and you've more chance of that than a Premier League team.
  34. ^ "Northampton 0 Wolves 4". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 23 August 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  35. ^ "Wolves' David Davis joins Inverness on loan". BBC Sport. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  36. ^ Kasiewicz, Stephen (10 September 2011). "Inverness a move in the right direction for Wanderer Davis". Press & Journal. Aberdeen. p. 69.
  37. ^ Chalk, Paul (10 September 2011). "Hearts clinch draw in Inverness". Highland News. Inverness. Archived from the original on 3 August 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  38. ^ Fraser, Alasdair (11 September 2011). "Jittery Jambos sneak point to spare blushes". Scottish Express. Glasgow. p. 9.
  39. ^ a b c d e "Games played by David Davis in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  40. ^ "Well win late at Caley Thistle". Sky Sports. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  41. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "D. Davis". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
  42. ^ "Russell leads Terrors fightback". Sky Sports. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  43. ^ a b "Inverness CT 2–3 Dundee Utd". BBC Sport. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  44. ^ "Inverness's Chris Hogg out for season due to knee injury". BBC Sport. 14 December 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  45. ^ Bremner, George (31 December 2011). "Caley Thistle plan to save by holding on to loan trio". Press and Journal. Aberdeen. p. 52. Inverness will not exceed their playing budget for the season and Butcher reckons the chances of retaining defender Golobart (Wigan) and midfielders Davis (Wolves) and Chippendale (Huddersfield Town) beyond next month are good. He said: 'I am quite confident we can keep all three at the club. ... They have all done very well and their presence would be invaluable between now and the end of the season. ... Agents are ringing me up and asking what I am looking for but I am not looking for anyone as I don't have the money to do it.'
  46. ^ Kasiewicz, Stephen (6 January 2012). "Last game for Davis as Caley Jags lose loan midfielder". Press and Journal. Aberdeen. p. 28.
  47. ^ "Inverness loan Wolves striker Sam Winnall". STV. 26 January 2012. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  48. ^ "Chesterfield sign Wolves midfielder David Davis on loan". BBC Sport. 13 January 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  49. ^ "Monday night: Wembley here we come..." The Star. Sheffield. 30 January 2012. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  50. ^ "Wolves rocked by Karl Henry blow". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
    "Davis recalled by Wolves". Derbyshire Times. 6 March 2012. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  51. ^ "Premier League debut beats final for rookie Davis". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  52. ^ a b "Davis debut shows plenty of promise". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 10 March 2012. Archived from the original on 22 September 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  53. ^ Culley, Jon (11 March 2012). "Hoilett leaves Wolves lost in mire". The Independent. London. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  54. ^ "Rookie Davis lines up for hardest test". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 15 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  55. ^ "Karl Henry ruled out of Norwich clash". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 22 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  56. ^ "Wolverhampton Wanderers' David Davis signs new three-year deal". BBC Sport. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  57. ^ "Hennessey gets the fans' vote". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 10 May 2012. Archived from the original on 14 May 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  58. ^ "David Davis back in the Molineux mix, says Wolves boss". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 20 November 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  59. ^ Rae, Richard (12 January 2013). "Roger Johnson does salvage job on Dean Saunders' opening night as Wolves manager". The Independent. London. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  60. ^ Nash, Tim (21 January 2013). "Pictures and analysis of Sheffield Wed 0 Wolves 0". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  61. ^ "Championship: Wolves come from behind to seal 2–1 win over Bristol City". Sky Sports. 16 March 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
    "Carl Ikeme: Wolves keeper breaks hand in outburst". BBC Sport. 15 March 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  62. ^ Howell, Bill (5 April 2013). "Wolves battler David Davis using his experience – at the age of 22". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  63. ^ "Championship: Wolves win 3–2 at Birmingham to move out of bottom three". Sky Sports. 1 April 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
  64. ^ Swain, Martin (2 April 2013). "Pictures and analysis of Birmingham 2 Wolves 3". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. Retrieved 5 February 2016. In many ways it was the game's most satisfying as Wolves pieced together a cohesive move which began with Doyle and Ebanks-Blake spade-working possession to Bjorn Sigurdarson. He, in turn, teed-up David Davis just outside the area. Davis went for a composed side foot finish which stretched Jack Butland so far he could only palm the ball away – for Hunt to score on the follow-up. Seven minutes later, Blues defended a Davis cross feebly, giving Ebanks-Blake a comfortable headed finish. Then the young midfielder's growing influence in this revival was underlined by the long-range pass which sent Doyle surging beyond defenders after 37 minutes. A heavy touch succeeded in luring Butland into a rash challenge and a clear penalty, which Ebanks-Blake deposited with the confidence that is now returning to a previously battered and bewildered team.
  65. ^ "David Davis: Wolves midfielder likely to be the latest to miss run-in". BBC Sport. 9 April 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2015.
  66. ^ a b "Barnsley on brink of landing David Davis on loan". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 23 July 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  67. ^ "Notts County 0 Wolves 1: Match report". Nottingham Post. 17 November 2013. Archived from the original on 18 November 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2016.
  68. ^ a b c "David Davis looks to prove a point to Wolves". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
  69. ^ "David Davis can challenge for Wolves first-team spot". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 15 February 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
    "David Davis challenged to win back Wolves place". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  70. ^ "Door still open at Wolves for David Davis". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 16 July 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  71. ^ "Wolves boss questions Boukari treatment". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 25 July 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  72. ^ "Official: Blues bring in David Davis". Birmingham City F.C. 11 August 2014. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  73. ^ a b Tattum, Colin (13 August 2014). "Birmingham City boss Lee Clark pleased with 'outstanding' debut from David Davis". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  74. ^ Conn, David (28 October 2014). "Birmingham City have a new manager but appear to retain same old problems". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  75. ^ Tattum, Colin (4 October 2014). "Charlton 1 Birmingham City 1". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
  76. ^ Tattum, Colin (7 October 2014). "Lee Clark on what David Davis needs to do to be a success at Blues". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  77. ^ Dick, Brian (14 January 2015). "David Davis: My Birmingham City best is yet to come". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
    Dick, Brian (20 February 2015). "Birmingham City team news: Gary Rowett facing David Davis dilemma". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  78. ^ Dick, Brian (21 February 2015). "Comment: Birmingham City missed the presence of David Davis against Brighton". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  79. ^ Dick, Brian (24 February 2015). "Updated: Ipswich 4 Birmingham City 2". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  80. ^ "Birmingham City: Robert Tesche loaned out by Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  81. ^ a b Dick, Brian (14 May 2015). "Birmingham City end-of-season reports – we rate the midfielders". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  82. ^ Dick, Brian (7 May 2015). "Birmingham City: Brian Dick's end-of-season awards". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  83. ^ Dick, Brian (15 August 2015). "David Davis is still a huge player, says Gary Rowett". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  84. ^ a b "Boss pleased by David Davis' impact". Birmingham City F.C. 8 October 2015. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  85. ^ a b Dick, Brian (14 March 2016). "Birmingham City take up option on dynamic midfielder's contract". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  86. ^ Dick, Brian (14 March 2016). "Gary Rowett's had this to say about Birmingham City's 'magnificent' midfielder". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  87. ^ Dick, Brian (17 March 2016). "Gary Rowett looking to extend Birmingham City midfielder's deal". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  88. ^ "Birmingham 2–2 Middlesbrough: Boro's promotion hopes dented". Sky Sports. PA Sport. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  89. ^ Dick, Brian (23 May 2016). "Birmingham City player-by-player season review: The central midfielders". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  90. ^ a b Dick, Brian (31 October 2016). "Birmingham City comment: David Davis has done more than any of his midfield rivals". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  91. ^ a b c "Games played by David Davis in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2017.
  92. ^ Morgan, Richard (30 October 2016). "Birmingham City 1–1 Aston Villa: David Davis denies Steve Bruce a happy St Andrew's return". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  93. ^ Dicken, Alex (30 October 2016). "Birmingham City scouting report: How local lad David Davis stole the show against Aston Villa". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
    "Reaction: Blues 1 Aston Villa 1". Birmingham City F.C. 30 October 2016. Archived from the original on 4 November 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  94. ^ a b c Dick, Brian (2 May 2017). "'Proud' David Davis upbeat about Birmingham City's date with destiny at Bristol City". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  95. ^ Dorsett, Rob (6 January 2017). "Birmingham City close on Granada midfielder Rene Krhin   Sky sources". Sky Sports. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  96. ^ "Zola positive over Davis talks". Birmingham City F.C. 6 January 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  97. ^ McCartney, Aidan (12 January 2017). "Birmingham City transfer rumour: QPR and Fulham join Nottingham Forest in hunt for midfielder David Davis". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  98. ^ "Craig Gardner: Birmingham City re-sign West Bromwich Albion midfielder". BBC Sport. 10 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  99. ^ "David Davis agrees new Blues contract". Birmingham City F.C. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  100. ^ Ireland, Shane (9 May 2017). "Birmingham City midfielder David Davis' player of the year award came at a price". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  101. ^ Dale, James (1 September 2017). "Harry Redknapp sees Birmingham busy on Deadline Day". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  102. ^ Ireland, Shane (3 September 2017). "Derby County boss Gary Rowett explains why he raided Birmingham City to sign Maikel Kieftenbeld". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  103. ^ Ireland, Shane (13 October 2017). "Birmingham City star: I feel different under Steve Cotterill". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  104. ^ Ireland, Shane (17 November 2017). "Birmingham City boss Steve Cotterill on what David Davis is really like". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  105. ^ Dick, Brian (28 January 2018). "There's more to Birmingham City than the Dependable Dozen – a January transfer window reminder". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
    Dicken, Alex (13 January 2018). "Birmingham City player ratings: A bad day at the office against Derby County – how we scored the performances". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  106. ^ Dick, Brian (31 January 2018). "Birmingham City player ratings: Blues destroy Sunderland – here's how we rated the players". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
    Dick, Brian (3 February 2018). "Birmingham City player ratings: David Davis is the star man in stunning win – here's how we rated everyone else". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  107. ^ Dicken, Alex (26 February 2018). "'Not fair' Birmingham City captain Harlee Dean's passionate defence of Steve Cotterill". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
    "Birmingham City appoint Garry Monk as manager after Steve Cotterill departs". The Observer. London. 4 March 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  108. ^ "David Davis back in contention for the weekend". Birmingham City F.C. 8 March 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  109. ^ a b c "Games played by David Davis in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  110. ^ Sked, Joel (20 April 2018). "Sheffield United: In focus – Saturday's opponents Birmingham City". The Star. Sheffield. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  111. ^ "Birmingham City 3–1 Fulham". BBC Sport. 6 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  112. ^ "David Davis: Birmingham City midfielder signs one-year contract extension". BBC Sport. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  113. ^ "David Davis suffers injury blow". Birmingham City F.C. 4 July 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  114. ^ a b "Games played by David Davis in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  115. ^ "David Davis departs". Birmingham City F.C. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  116. ^ "Done deal: Midfielder David Davis becomes third deadline-day arrival". Charlton Athletic F.C. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
  117. ^ "Charlton stars Lyle Taylor, Chris Solly and David Davis are REFUSING to play when the Championship season resumes, reveals manager Lee Bowyer". Talksport. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  118. ^ "David Davis: Shrewsbury Town sign former Birmingham City midfielder". BBC Sport. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  119. ^ "David Davis joins Town". Shrewsbury Town F.C. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  120. ^ Cox, Lewis (2 February 2021). "David Davis raring to make up for lost time after a long wait on Shrewsbury Town return". Shropshire Star. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
    Cox, Lewis (2 February 2021). "Shrewsbury Town 0 Crewe Alexandra 1 – Report". Shropshire Star. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  121. ^ "Released and retained list". www.shrewsburytown.com.
  122. ^ "Shrewsbury re-sign midfielder Davis" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  123. ^ "Davis links up with Rovers". Forest Green Rovers F.C. 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  124. ^ "David Davis joins Moors on loan". Solihull Moors F.C. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  125. ^ "Retained and Released List 2024". www.fgr.co.uk. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  126. ^ "Davdi Davis signs for Reds". harriers.co.uk. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  127. ^ Kendrick, Mat (11 August 2014). "What kind of player are Blues getting in David Davis?". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  128. ^ Dick, Brian (25 March 2015). "How long do Gary Rowett's players have left on their contracts?". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  129. ^ Tattum, Colin (11 August 2014). "Lee Clark: David Davis can help ease the loss of Tom Adeyemi at Birmingham City". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  130. ^ Howell, Bill (6 April 2013). "Davis looks set to keep Karl Henry on the sidelines". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  131. ^ Dick, Brian (9 March 2015). "Blues are bottom heavy in terms of squad depth and four other things we learned from the draw with Derby". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  132. ^ "Games played by David Davis in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  133. ^ "Games played by David Davis in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  134. ^ a b "Games played by David Davis in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  135. ^ "Games played by David Davis in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  136. ^ a b "Games played by David Davis in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  137. ^ a b "Games played by David Davis in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  138. ^ "Games played by David Davis in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  139. ^ "Games played by David Davis in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  140. ^ "Games played by David Davis in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  141. ^ For FA Cup 2nd qualifying round: "Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round – Kidderminster Harriers 2–1 Leek Town". Football Web Pages. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
    For FA Cup 3rd qualifying round: "Buxton 1 Kidderminster 1 – Report". Express & Star. Wolverhampton. 28 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
    For FA Cup 3rd qualifying round replay: "Buxton (H) FACR 01-10-24: Line ups". Kidderminster Harriers F.C. 1 October 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
edit