The serial title-winner hoping to plot England’s downfall for Wales C
OSWESTRY, WALES - 12 MARCH 2022: The New Saints' Daniel Davies during the Second Phase of the JD Cymru Premier / Championship Conference league fixture between The New Saints FC & Penybont FC, Park Hall, Oswestry, Wales, March 12th, 2022. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
For the past three seasons, Danny Davies has won three league titles, now he’s hoping to take his success onto the international stage with Wales.
Winning your third successive title and being called up for your country, all in the same week is unheard of.
But, The New Saints’ Danny Davies achieved just that, as Anthony Limbrick’s side were crowned champions of the Cymru Premier, taking the title back from Connah’s Quay Nomads, Davies’ former club.
Prior to signing for the Nomads, the wing-back guided his beloved local club, Prestatyn Town, to a first-place finish.
Fast-forward to now and Davies was crowned a champion for the third year in a row. What followed was another proud moment for the 26-year-old, as Wales C manager Mark Jones came calling, selecting the defender for Wales C’s clash with England C on Wednesday.
In a whirlwind few weeks, Davies recalls an enthralling day at Park Hall, as the Saints came from 2-0 down against Europe hopefuls Penybont to secure top spot.
“During the game, we thought we had thrown it away and would have to do it two weeks after. We got ourselves in a bit of a difficult situation being 2-0 down at half-time, but then the response was just what we were looking for.
“I think that made it even better, the fact that we were 2-0 and to come back from it made it feel that bit better when we won the trophy on the day. Everyone was buzzing.”
Rhys Griffiths’ Bont looked as though they were going to spoil the party, as Nathan Wood and Sam Snaith netted for the visitors.
But, second-half goals from Ben Clark and Ash Baker, along with Lewis Harling’s own-goal resulted in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Davies feels that the Saints’ comeback in the second period is a testament to the character in the squad.
“I think that’s the winning mentality that we’ve had this year. There have been times when it’s been back to the wall. Not every win in a season is going to be pretty.
“The week before, we played at Flint and they were all over us in the first half, but to win that game as well, it’s just as big. It is wins like that, where it’s not pretty, that you’ve got to grind out the result to become champions.”
The Saints’ title win is their first since 2019, having lost out to Connah’s Quay Nomads for the past two campaigns.
In manager Anthony Limbrick’s first full season at the club, Davies insisted that the desire to regain the title was visible since his first day as a Saint.
“I’ve definitely seen that eagerness since coming to TNS. It’s been mentioned quite a lot that Connah’s Quay have won it the past two seasons and there was a real desire to win it back. You could tell how much everyone wanted it.
“From pre-season, the way that everyone has gone about it, from the coaching staff all the way down to the players, everyone has really put the hours in.
“All the work that goes on off the pitch, it’s been miles ahead of everyone else and that’s testament to what goes on behind the scenes and it has shown in the table. The hard work off the pitch is where everything starts.”
This year’s Cymru Premier title is the third time Davies has been crowned a champion in as many seasons, also securing the top spot whilst at Prestatyn Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads.
At such a successful time in his career, the wing-back expressed his delight at how his return to football from cricket has gone.
“I’m really proud of it. I think it’s the winning mentality, I’ve always had it. It couldn’t have gone any better for me.
“Three years ago at Prestatyn was my first full season back in football and to win it with them, then Connah’s Quay, and now this year, I can’t really ask for much better.”
To top off a brilliant week, the Wales C squad to face England C on Wednesday was announced, including the Saints right-back.
Davies recalls how he found out he had been selected to represent his country.
“When the game got announced a few months ago, I was looking at it hoping I’d be involved. It was just about staying fit and keep doing well.
“I remember Mark Jones commentating on one of our games and mentioning the Wales C game, so I hoped I’d be in with a chance.
“At the Penybont game, Mark Jones was commentating on it again. As I walked into the changing rooms, he pulled me aside and said that I was in and congratulations, so I was buzzing before we even kicked off!”
With Wales C set for Wednesday’s clash, the opponents’ boss Paul Fairclough has named a strong squad, including some of the National League’s top performers.
Despite the challenge ahead, Davies insisted that he is relishing the test.
“Their squad looks really strong, which makes me look forward to it even more. It’s more of a challenge and you want to play against quality players, that’s what you get when you play in Europe and I loved that.
“You have to be right at the top of your game and it excites me even more than England have picked a good team.”
A Wales C cap will be another step in what has been a hugely successful three years for Davies. However, the Saint’s right-back is far from resting on his laurels.
“It’s been a really exciting time for me. I’ve put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes, so I feel that it’s deserved, but it doesn’t stop here.
“I’ve got to keep working hard and doing my best. Hopefully, bigger and better things are to come and there can be more times like these.”
