Steve Davis says it will an attractive game this weekend between two clubs who promote young talent.
Steve Davis celebrates his 200th game in charge of Crewe Alexandra this weekend, but he is still behind Walsall’s Dean Smith as one of the longest serving managers in the country!
on the list following his appointment in 2011 with Smith fourth after succeeding Chris Hutchings in the January of the same year. He had previously worked in Walsall’s Youth Development Department and has never been afraid to promote young players into the first-team picture.
thThe Alex boss is currently 7
Steve Davis is a keen admirer of Smith’s philosophy to give youth a chance and says it will be an interesting game at the Banks’s Stadium against two clubs aiming to play attractive football.
Ahead of the weekend clash in the Midlands, the boss said: “Walsall are very similar to us in what they try to do. They get similar attendances and I would have thought their budget is one of the closest to us in League One.
“They certainly try and play football under Dean and he has his philosophy and will always stick to it. He perseveres with his young players and credit to him and the club for doing that. It is not an easy thing to do when things go against you.
“Walsall are technically good and they like to get the ball down and play. In (Tom) Bradshaw, they have a centre-forward who likes to play on the shoulder and he makes intelligent runs for the team. They have good players and it will be tough because they are brimming with confidence.
“Even when they played Chelsea in the week you could see that they want to play and have a go.
Steve added: “Walsall is similar to us that they are trying to produce good young players and give them their chance. It will be nice to catch up with Dean and I am sure it will be a good, entertaining game for the fans.”