Steve Davis says his old boss Danny Wilson is the ideal man for Barnsley

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis firmly believes that Danny Wilson is the ideal man to get Barnsley once again challenging for promotion back to the Championship. Davis played under Wilson at Oakwell and they enjoyed unprecedented success when winning promotion to the FA Premier League in 1997. Davis unfortunately missed the season in the top flight due to an injury sustained during the promotion winning campaign but he always fondly recalls his time in Yorkshire.

Danny Wilson later left for rivals Sheffield Wednesday in July 1998 and Davis departed for Oxford during the same summer. Now the vastly experienced Wilson is back at Oakwell and will aiming to make them competitive in League One following their relegation from the Championship last season.

 Steve has always been full of admiration for Wilson’s playing and managerial career: “I played under Danny for four years at Barnsley and he was the manager when the club won promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

“He was a superb player and an excellent manager and I learned a great deal from him. He was also a really good guy and a football guy. I look forward to seeing him again.

“He left for Sheffield Wednesday and at that time it was a really unpopular move because of the success Danny had brought to Barnsley but he has gone on to manage a number of top clubs.

“He is now back at Barnsley and no-one knows that club and what the people of Barnsley expect more than Danny Wilson. The fans want to see 100% commitment and effort every time they play for the club and Danny will demand that from his players.

He added: “He knows the club inside out and if there is one guy who can turn the club around again and having them challenging once again then it is Danny. “