Birmingham City enforcer David Davis could provide Gary Rowett with what he’s looking for at Derby County – character.
Gary Rowett’s comments on his summer transfer plans at Derby County have certainly caused a ripple at Pride Park.
“I think we have to change the mentality in terms of some different types of characters,” the manager said in quotes reported by the Derby Telegraph.
Now, that is not exactly the most subtle hint that the club will look to replace a few of their underperforming players this summer. With Derby failing to mount anything like a believable play-off challenge, most supporters would surely agree that more fighting spirit, a bit of ‘character’, is a must next season.
Therefore, one former player jumps out as exactly the kind of player Rowett could consider making his first signing at the East Midlands club – David Davis.
The Birmingham City midfielder inked a contract extension earlier this season but, with The Blues in free fall since Rowett’s departure and in very real danger of relegation to League One with two games remaining, they may be powerless to prevent him leaving at the end of the season.
And, if Rowett’s own praise is anything to go by, Davis would be welcome at Pride Park.
“I thought Dave Davis was absolutely magnificent. I am really pleased for him because he has been very patient,” Rowett told the Birmingham Mail in March last year after the former Wolves youngster returned from a two-month lay-off.
“He controlled the match with his physicality. He gets about the place, he holds people off and comes out with the ball. He does that really, really well.”
The combative Davis would certainly provide the bite that Derby have lacked in midfield this season. However, it’s his mentality that could inspire Rowett to attempt a reunion at Pride Park.
Davis may let his heart rule his head at times but it’s that character that a rather meek Derby are crying out for.
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