Kevin Davies calls time on playing career

Former Bolton captain and striker retires from professional football

Bolton Wanderers legend Kevin Davies has officially called time on his professional playing career in the game.

Davies, who represented Bolton for a near ten-year period, made a total of 407 appearances for the club, scoring 84 goals.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a few weeks now,” he told bwfc.co.uk. “I had a few offers to play on, but I didn’t really feel I could have done myself justice. 

“Physically, I could play on for another year, but I just didn’t feel like I had the fire in my belly to carry on and that’s something you can’t play without.

“I’m now busy with my media work. I’m also looking to finalise my UEFA A Licence and do a bit more coaching, both locally and professionally.

“I’ve always tried to look forward. I’ve always been one for wondering what’s happening next and have never really looked back to dwell on my achievements or the teams I’ve played for. 

“I’ve got a few old tapes from when I was really young, so maybe now I’ll dust those off and have a watch. I’m thankful that my children got to see me play, and to go out on a high at Wembley with Preston was great.

“With all the teams I’ve played for have had relative success. We knew the clubs were never going to be challenging for titles, but to have 15 years in the Premier League, some great cup runs and to have played in Europe is amazing.

“I joined Bolton in my mid-20s under Sam Allardyce. It came at the right time and with Sam it was almost like meeting a girl. We were good together at the time and it just worked.

“The first season at Bolton was amazing. I worked so hard and Sam rewarded me with contract. The six or seven years that followed were amazing. The players we had were unreal and I’ve got some wonderful memories.

“To have been the armband captain was great and that meant a lot to me. I tried to lead from the front, both on and off the pitch. 

“I loved the ten years. Bolton took up a lot of my career. There were plenty of highs and a few lows, even a few tears at times, but what we built together was something special.”

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