Aston Villa supporters can read an exclusive interview with Steven Davis in Saturday’s matchday programme.
The 39-year-old told the News and Record about his grounding in the club’s Academy and how it helped him to forge a career in the game, recalling the FA Youth Cup win against Wayne Rooney’s Everton in 2002.
Davis, who also represented Southampton with distinction later in his career, spoke about being given a first team opportunity by David O’Leary, cleaning up at the club’s awards after a sterling 2005/06 season and the decision to leave for Fulham in 2007.
Here’s an extract from his interview with the official programme…
How did your move to Aston Villa come about?
“I first started coming over to Villa on trial when I was 12 and then I’d be over in the school holidays, spending time at Bodymoor Heath. I signed when I was 14 with the idea of moving over when I finished school at 16. I moved across when I was 16 and then I was in digs full-time.”
Looking back on your time in the Academy, how was it coming through the ranks?
“It was a big move because I was a kid moving away from home. I’d got to know the group that I was joining because I’d been over so regularly, which made the transition easier. I was excited to follow my dream of becoming a professional footballer. I moved into digs in Wylde Green for a couple of years with a really nice family that I’m still in touch with now. I had a great grounding with the coaching I had with Gordon Cowans, a club legend, Tony McAndrew and Kevin MacDonald. They saw I had a good attitude and that I tried to improve myself every day. They wouldn’t let anyone get too far ahead of themselves. It was a great place for me to start my career and it was the right decision to sign for Villa.”
Because you’d come through the ranks, did you find the Villa fans were very supportive of you?
“The support I received from them throughout my time at the club was amazing. I think they always like to see someone coming through the ranks and I had a special relationship with them. I’m very thankful for the support because as a young player, you’re not always playing your best and you’re trying to find that level of consistency when you’re adjusting to the level. I always felt that they had my back.”
What are your reflections on playing for Villa, given you went from a boy to a man at the club?
“Nothing but good memories. Amazing facilities, amazing club and amazing people who made me feel so welcome. I came through with a good group and got my chance to play. Making the number of appearances that I did (102) in that short period was amazing. I’m very thankful for my time at Villa and the fans were great. The stadium is still amazing and I always love to come back to Villa Park.”
Matchday Programmes
The Villa News and Record is available to purchase from around the stadium on every matchday, while you can also order your copy online.
If you’ve missed an issue or want to order a copy of the next edition to your door, you can do so online via the link below…
