Going to Wembley justifies rejecting West Ham (From Daily Echo)
When news happens, text SDE and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Kelvin Davis: If ever I needed proof staying was right, this is it
10:20am Saturday 27th March 2010 in JPT Final
SPECIAL DAY: Kelvin Davis
Kelvin Davis believes his first Wembley appearance as a professional justifies turning down a move to the Premiership.
The Saints captain was close to signing for West Ham in the summer but is glad to have stayed at St Mary’s for a fifth season as he prepares for his first Wembley final.
“I’m privileged to play for Southampton, it was the right decision for me to stay and to end up in a cup final is great for us all,” said the Saints goalkeeper.
“Whether it’s payback for sticking around I don’t I know but I certainly feel privileged.
“I was extremely close [to going], I trained with West Ham for three days and if it wasn’t for a slight snag in the contract the deal would have been done.
“It was real 11th hour stuff but within a couple of hours I was signing for Southampton.”
Don’t miss Monday’s Daily Echo for a special 24-page pullout celebrating Saints’ Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley – featuring the best reports, reaction, colour and photographs of the big day out |
With promotion still possible, Davis could even play at Upton Park with Saints in the Cham-pionship next season.
“After a game, win, lose or draw, I’ll sit on a sofa with aching muscles and think I’d rather be doing this than possibly sitting in the reserves at a Premier League side, so I’m pleased and really believe I made the right decision,” continued the 33-year-old, who was on the winning side in his only previous Wembley appearance “This will be my debut at the new Wembley but I went to the old Wembley with Luton years ago,” he recalls.
“I played in a game before an U15 international, we won 1-0 and I kept a clean sheet and set the goal up.
“But I’ve never played there professionally so the fact the final’s at Wembley is massive.
“When you kick a ball around in the park it’s all about Wembley so it’s a boyhood dream to play there.
“It’s also a lovely payback for the fans. When we needed them they came and supported us and I’m glad we’ve got the opportunity to give them a day out.
“We’ve had record crowds in this competition so it just goes to show what the prize is for everyone, supporters included.
“We’ve got 44,000 supporters going to Wembley, which is fantastic, it’s given everyone a lift.”
Comments(46)
Mykee Bee
says...
10:32am Sat 27 Mar 10
Saints fans AND Craig David on Soccer AM this morning, Wembley tomorrow!
Perfick!
H0ckeyd
says...
11:39am Sat 27 Mar 10
Saint H
says...
12:03pm Sat 27 Mar 10
wings of a sparrow
says...
12:14pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Paul Lucas
says...
12:23pm Sat 27 Mar 10
H0ckeyd wrote:You're right! Bart saved 3 penalties to put us through against Norwich.
still have 1 goalkeeper to thank for our cup final appearance.....and it's not Mr Davis.
.
When I watch Kelvin I'm worried when the crosses come in because he does not command his area very well. Great shot stopper, nice guy and loyal to Saints but I definitely agree with what you're saying.
.
OK, STILL no tickets have arrived but COYRS!!!! We'll be there to cheer them on! Stay solid Kelv - have a great match!
Give Peas a Chance
says...
12:41pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Paul Lucas wrote:See you in the ticket collection queue tomorrow!
H0ckeyd wrote: still have 1 goalkeeper to thank for our cup final appearance.....and it's not Mr Davis.You're right! Bart saved 3 penalties to put us through against Norwich. . When I watch Kelvin I'm worried when the crosses come in because he does not command his area very well. Great shot stopper, nice guy and loyal to Saints but I definitely agree with what you're saying. . OK, STILL no tickets have arrived but COYRS!!!! We'll be there to cheer them on! Stay solid Kelv - have a great match!
Perhaps Mr Cortese would like to concentrate on keeping his customers happy by delivering their tickets, instead of undermining his manager!
COYR
comeonyoureds
says...
1:08pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Well done Kelv.
Come on you Smurfs!!!!!!!
comeonyoureds
says...
1:12pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Come on you Smurfs!!!!
comeonyoureds
says...
1:15pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Check out Saints Smurfs on Facebook.
Come On You Smurfs!!!!!!
Saint Andrew Scotland
says...
1:44pm Sat 27 Mar 10
COYR's March all over em!!!!
robhythe
says...
1:50pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Condor Man
says...
1:55pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Billy 2 Baps
says...
2:13pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Saint H wrote:Hi left you a message, if they have not got yet. If you still have both and someone else is looking to go. I'm happy to give someone a lift tomorrow there and back.
OK guys, on Monday another future supporter was born.....however a combination of things means I now can't go on Sunday. I am totally gutted. So I have a pair of Club Wembley seats @ £60 each available on a first come first serve basis. I live very close to the Chiltern railway line which is a great way into Wembley (13mins by train and avoids all the traffic in and out). This is no wind up( I am a season ticket holder at SMS) and I would love them to go to a good home.please call me on 07973 327193 anytime saturday.
If anyone knows of a ticket please call me on 07710 427 625
aussie saint
says...
2:44pm Sat 27 Mar 10
andrewsmith782000
says...
2:47pm Sat 27 Mar 10
ow when the saints come marching on bring the trophy home lads
hoskins75
says...
3:23pm Sat 27 Mar 10
SomersetSaint
says...
3:30pm Sat 27 Mar 10
My View from the Hill
says...
3:48pm Sat 27 Mar 10
My idiot mate has overbooked our coach, man and wife need the seats.
Thanks
adam1981
says...
5:22pm Sat 27 Mar 10
!!!!!!
speedsaint
says...
6:45pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Baddesley Bill
says...
7:12pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Mike_Saint
says...
7:36pm Sat 27 Mar 10
KD is only here cos his wife wouldnt up root the kids from their school and believe me KD does what he is told by her indoors!
Its a shame cos we might even be in the play offs wiv a better keeper ? Still there is always nexy year
COYR
tamara1983
says...
7:36pm Sat 27 Mar 10
My View from the Hill wrote:anyone looking for travel still to wembley i have 2 train tickets available buy one get one free 18pound
Has anyone got 2 seats on a coach or minibus? My idiot mate has overbooked our coach, man and wife need the seats. Thanks
tamara1983
says...
7:39pm Sat 27 Mar 10
tamara1983 wrote:contact me via email tamara.williams49@ya
My View from the Hill wrote: Has anyone got 2 seats on a coach or minibus? My idiot mate has overbooked our coach, man and wife need the seats. Thanksanyone looking for travel still to wembley i have 2 train tickets available buy one get one free 18pound
hoo.com
Spirit of 58
says...
7:40pm Sat 27 Mar 10
stormus troupias the 1st
says...
7:46pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Baddesley Bill wrote:i done our clocks 4 hrs ago ,got pmt here <pre match tention> at least were on bst time now<british saints time>poped into millers today to donate to the cause but had to ave one while i was there and toasted the lads. ps have you told slugger not to walk to carlisle cos its not an away match! i,m 59 and feel like a kid tonight,hang on that do,nt sound right do,es it
Right...I am officially getting excited now...in fact...for the first time in my 44 years on this planet I have set my clocks forward already!..we have 10 who have walked to Egham already and the remaining 43,990 Red n White Army will catch them up at Wembley tomorrow. Ask yourselves....how did it get so good to be a Saint so quick??? :O)
diver-1975
says...
7:48pm Sat 27 Mar 10
COYR
worried of e sussex
says...
8:03pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Harleysaint
says...
8:30pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Yes we can!
Lot of draws today....
5 more wins than someone?
Dont get any draws?
Get less than whoever?
MMMMM...Love it still!!!!
COYRAWAPMACHINE!!!!
stormus troupias the 1st
says...
8:36pm Sat 27 Mar 10
worried of e sussex wrote:you and me both
i have stayed in tonight hoping to be fit for tomorrow but still managed to get drunk! anyone who says tomorrows match means nothing is an idiot! COUR!
TEBOURBA
says...
8:38pm Sat 27 Mar 10
As a direct result of having him keep goal, I predict a Carlisle victory of 2-1!!
Enjoy the day all you Saints supporters but I think the journey home may be like the one I experienced when Saints lost to Notts Forest in the League Cup Final as a result of goalkeeper Terry Genoe going to pieces in the Saints goal
stormus troupias the 1st
says...
8:42pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Harleysaint wrote:i really think we will get to playoffs now and if we do i cant see us not winning,is it good to be a saints fan or what!COYRS
Can we do it? Yes we can! Lot of draws today.... 5 more wins than someone? Dont get any draws? Get less than whoever? MMMMM...Love it still!!!! COYRAWAPMACHINE!!!!
Baddesley Bill
says...
8:44pm Sat 27 Mar 10
TEBOURBA wrote:Your positive words are an inspiration for all....not! ;O)
Sad to say, but I'm afraid true, Kelvin Davies has been more of a liability than an asset to Saints throughout this Season and I don't think it will change on their great day at Wembley. As a direct result of having him keep goal, I predict a Carlisle victory of 2-1!! Enjoy the day all you Saints supporters but I think the journey home may be like the one I experienced when Saints lost to Notts Forest in the League Cup Final as a result of goalkeeper Terry Genoe going to pieces in the Saints goal
TEBOURBA
says...
8:58pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Let's see who's right!!
Enjoy the day at Wembley never-the-less!!
stormus troupias the 1st
says...
8:59pm Sat 27 Mar 10
TEBOURBA wrote:just the type of comment we want to hear b4 tomorrow,he might have his faults but still prob. best keeper in div 1
Sad to say, but I'm afraid true, Kelvin Davies has been more of a liability than an asset to Saints throughout this Season and I don't think it will change on their great day at Wembley. As a direct result of having him keep goal, I predict a Carlisle victory of 2-1!! Enjoy the day all you Saints supporters but I think the journey home may be like the one I experienced when Saints lost to Notts Forest in the League Cup Final as a result of goalkeeper Terry Genoe going to pieces in the Saints goal
happyrower
says...
9:03pm Sat 27 Mar 10
TEBOURBA
says...
9:06pm Sat 27 Mar 10
As a result I predict Carlisle to win 2-1 -- if I am wrong then I will eat my words tomorrow --- I sincerely hope I am wrong!!
stormus troupias the 1st
says...
9:09pm Sat 27 Mar 10
happyrower wrote:why,s that then somthing happening tomorrow then lol
EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Baddesley Bill
says...
9:12pm Sat 27 Mar 10
TEBOURBA wrote:We'll have fun ta...ahem...where will you be then?...not sat next to me I hope...god forbid!!!! :O)
Having watched every Saints game this season both at home and away I can homestly say that, to what other supporters may consider to be , my humble, misinformed opinion Kelvin Davies is the weak ling in Saints chain and will cost them the game and the Trophy! Let's see who's right!! Enjoy the day at Wembley never-the-less!!
happyrower
says...
9:16pm Sat 27 Mar 10
stormus troupias the 1st wrote:yeah, going to the cinema :D
happyrower wrote:why,s that then somthing happening tomorrow then lol
EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glen Wiffen
says...
9:25pm Sat 27 Mar 10
Give Peas a Chance wrote:Glad to know I have some decent company joining the que at Wembley tomorrow. What a shambles!!!!
Paul Lucas wrote:See you in the ticket collection queue tomorrow! Perhaps Mr Cortese would like to concentrate on keeping his customers happy by delivering their tickets, instead of undermining his manager! COYRH0ckeyd wrote: still have 1 goalkeeper to thank for our cup final appearance.....and it's not Mr Davis.You're right! Bart saved 3 penalties to put us through against Norwich. . When I watch Kelvin I'm worried when the crosses come in because he does not command his area very well. Great shot stopper, nice guy and loyal to Saints but I definitely agree with what you're saying. . OK, STILL no tickets have arrived but COYRS!!!! We'll be there to cheer them on! Stay solid Kelv - have a great match!
Tirau Dan
says...
9:41pm Sat 27 Mar 10
stormus troupias the 1st wrote:No wonder the commentators and professional staff laugh at the silly comments of the minority.
TEBOURBA wrote:just the type of comment we want to hear b4 tomorrow,he might have his faults but still prob. best keeper in div 1
Sad to say, but I'm afraid true, Kelvin Davies has been more of a liability than an asset to Saints throughout this Season and I don't think it will change on their great day at Wembley. As a direct result of having him keep goal, I predict a Carlisle victory of 2-1!! Enjoy the day all you Saints supporters but I think the journey home may be like the one I experienced when Saints lost to Notts Forest in the League Cup Final as a result of goalkeeper Terry Genoe going to pieces in the Saints goal
Kelvin has the utter respect of the senior management and players and everyone can be quite sure that the second he loses that he'll be gone.
Our Club Captain kept it out and won us plenty of points when the play around him went to custard.
He'll do me
franiow
says...
10:04pm Sat 27 Mar 10
St Retford
says...
10:27pm Sat 27 Mar 10
m@tty boy
says...
4:02pm Sun 28 Mar 10
click2find
Southampton Heart says...
10:28am Sat 27 Mar 10
I'm just setting off to "Wembley" shortly via Bristol !!!.
Come On Reds......Win for us!!!.
PS: Best regards to Sluggs, Glynn & the walkers.