Chris Davies says what he really thinks about Eddie Howe before warning Newcastle United
The mutual appreciation between Chris Davies and Eddie Howe has been evident before Birmingham City’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle United.
Howe, who is one of just four British bosses managing in the Premier League, has praised the job Davies has done in leading Blues to the top of League One. Davies has responded by revealing his belief that Howe is the finest English manager in the game.
The Blues boss also thinks Howe, 47, should have been the FA’s go-to candidate to replace Gareth Southgate in the England hot-seat. Davies is relishing the opportunity to pit himself against a manager he admires on Saturday evening (5.45pm kick-off) when the fireworks stop and the whistle sounds at a sold-out St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
READ MORE: Chris Davies gives Paik and Willumsson updates as Birmingham City pair learn injury fate
READ MORE: Romelle Donovan reveals real reason why he left Birmingham City for Brentford
“I’ve come across Eddie when I’ve been assistant manager of teams and I think he’s a top coach,” said Davies. “I think he should have been the first pick to be the next England manager. As an individual, I think the way he conducts and carries himself is excellent as well.
“From my point of view, I always look at the individual and the work they’re doing, but the way they behave as well. He’s a great example, there are some that aren’t like that, but he is. He’s an inspiration.
“Any English manager that has gone on and he’s been in the Champions League, I think he was 30 when he started managing, so he’s had a long career already. He’s a great example to me and many other young British coaches. Hopefully I can make strides to emulate the kind of career that he’s had.”
Newcastle are huge favourites to progress given the gulf in league positions between the two sides. No fewer than 38 places separate Newcastle and Blues in the English football pyramid but Davies’ side are no ordinary League One outfit.
Blues spent in excess of £20 million last summer to assemble one of the strongest third tier squads in history. The likes of Christoph Klarer, who joined Blues after a season in the Bundesliga with Darmstadt, Japanese anchorman Tomoki Iwata and Jay Stansfield have genuine aspirations of playing in the Premier League in the not-too-distant future.
Davies insists his players will respect Carabao Cup finalists Newcastle, but don’t fear them. He said: “The players are excited but we have got players who have played international football and in top leagues around Europe, so I don’t think they’ll be fazed by it.
"They know there’s a big challenge ahead but, more than anything, they are looking forward to it. In other circumstances there might be a bit of apprehension, they respect Newcastle but they are looking forward to competing.”
