League One - Davis rejects Hammers to stay a Saint

Eurosport - Thu, 09 Jul 13:12:00 2009

Kelvin Davis has rejected a move to the Premier League with West Ham and signed a new three-year deal at Southampton.

FOOTBALL Southampton keeper Kelvin Davis, linked with a move to West Ham - 0

The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who was out of contract at St Mary's, had been training with the Hammers and was due to turn out in their pre-season friendly at Grays on Sunday. But now Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr has completed his takeover of Saints, his first move was to persuade last season's player of the year and captain to stay on the south coast.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola wanted Davis as understudy to England international Robert Green at Upton Park, but he has instead opted for first-team football with Saints - despite the fact they kick off next season in League One with a 10-point penalty.

"The decision for me was between the opportunity of first-team football at Southampton or the chance to play Premier League football and I have made my choice to stay at Southampton," he told club's website.

"After speaking to Gianfranco Zola and (goalkeeping coach) Ludek Miklosko at West Ham, they were both very understanding of my position and I hold them both with the utmost respect.

"I got the call yesterday and the new people at Southampton were quick to offer me a new contract and were very clear in what they want to achieve for the football club.

"I always said from the end of last season that League One football does not scare me and I obviously feel as responsible as anyone for the club's position."

PA Sport

Comment 1 - 15 of 15

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  1. not even league 1 players wana join west ham. LMAO

    From chelseaboy, on Fri 10 Jul 5:01PM

  2. WEST HAM ARE S**T AND ALWAYS WILL BE S**T,(man city­ fan)i think what geovanni is doing in hulme of all­ places(if you know hulme,you know what im on about)to­ help the kids and teach them the right way to go is­ unbelieveable,im born and bred in moss side which is­ next door to hulme and nobody gives a f***k about the­ kids,,man u dont,man city dont,,,,these kids are ­ running around shooting each other,drug­ dealing,robbing­ drug dealers,robbing bookies,,,holding­ up pubs and wine bars and relieving customers of their­ belongings,dont give 2 f**ks for the law,dont give a­ f**k about their parents,,,,he must feel like he's­ back in rio de janeiro,,,the place is like the city of­ gods,,,,,,,we're in the money,,,,UP THE­­ BLUES,,,PELE FOR MANAGER,,,YOU HEARD IT FIRST­­ HERE,,,,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$­ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

    From jak_lee, on Fri 10 Jul 12:46AM
  3. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    i think the reason he stayed is not because he is loyal­ to the club but because he wouldnt get a game with­ robert green in goal

    From luke, on Thu 9 Jul 5:25PM

  4. good luck to him and southampton! up the irons!!!!

    From steven, on Thu 9 Jul 5:00PM

  5. My blood is blue and claret / hats off to calvin
    Hope­ Southampton do well next season
    Keegan take note,­ market the loyalty
    take the job on, and get them­ promoted

    From royhill61, on Thu 9 Jul 4:57PM

  6. finally thier is a loyal player in the world of­ football im glad hes stayed cause he is one of the best­ keepers in england at the moment.

    From c_jolliffe, on Thu 9 Jul 4:48PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Obviously he looking forward to playing in L2 next­ year.

    From fieldgun1976, on Thu 9 Jul 4:19PM

  8. Legend, what a keeper what a bloke. COYS

    From tasker75, on Thu 9 Jul 2:43PM

  9. Probably best he has done that as he was never going to­ knock the mighty Robert Green of the number one spot.­ It drives me mad when I read clubs have been deducted­ points before a ball is kicked in the season because of­ financial problems. This needs to be looked at and the­ F.A need to stop doing this and start helping clubs out­ like the goverment done with the banks in this country.­ Fifth place for the HAMMERS this season....

    From ALISON, on Thu 9 Jul 2:17PM

  10. Probably best he has done that as he was never going to­ knock the mighty Robert Green of the number one spot.­ It drives me mad when I read clubs have been deducted­ points before a ball is kicked in the season because of­ financial problems. This needs to be looked at and the­ F.A need to stop doing this and start helping clubs out­ like the goverment done with the banks in this country.­ Fifth place for the HAMMERS this season....

    From ALISON, on Thu 9 Jul 2:17PM

  11. on one hand he is crazy to turn down top flight­ football on the other its so great to see a loyal­ footballer and prove they do still exist

    From liam, on Thu 9 Jul 1:34PM

  12. what a star. Not only did he volunteer to go without­ pay at the end of last season, he stays with us in the­ 3rd division when he could have been playing­ premiership football. He will follow in the steps of­ MLT and become a god at southampton. How many other­ players would be interested in staying with a club in­ the 3rd division. Love you Kelvin

    From Julie, on Thu 9 Jul 1:20PM

  13. well done some true loyalty for a change not many­ footballers like this good luck for the coming season

    From phil.hayward1, on Thu 9 Jul 1:20PM

  14. How fantastic is that fantastic.

    From gallacher.f, on Thu 9 Jul 12:54PM

  15. You are my absolute ruddy hero Kelvin. Congratulations­ mate, and thanks very much. Loyalty is still king, long­ live Kelvin, long live the Saints.....roll on Millwall!

    From jamesdbowman, on Thu 9 Jul 12:52PM
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