Great Britain international Matty Davies insists the presence of skipper Jason Silverthorn was a key factor in his move to Telford Tigers.
The 26-year-old collected 236 Elite League points with Manchester Storm and Hull Stingrays, including a remarkable 60 points in just one year on Humberside – where he was a teammate of Silverthorn.
He said: “I talked to Tom (Watkins) last summer, as I know Silv very well, and they nearly twisted my arm then. It’s the way they do things at Telford that is so appealing.
“Jason has told me about the club and ever since I signed it has been totally professional, from the equipment manager to everything else.
“There is no better guy than Silv as captain. He’s a real professional who has helped me a lot in my career.
“This kind of came up late in the summer, but I’m glad it did. I’m looking forward to coming down to Telford later this month and getting started.”
Davies, who played for Great Britain in this year’s Olympic qualification tournament, spent seven years at the top level and has already set out his stall for next season.
He added: “From the first time I spoke to Tom a few weeks ago, I’ve said I’m coming here to win something next season – that is my main aim.
“Telford are trying hard to create a winning culture and I know that’s something Tommy is big on. It’s a lot to ask, but that’s what I want to do.
“I don’t really look at personal targets and I always pride myself on getting the team to a high level, where we all work for each other.
“It will be a different mindset for me, but I never change the way I play. I work hard and bring a consistent game night in, night out.”
The former Storm captain will join a Tigers side that is much-changed from last season, albeit with the core of a squad that almost swept all before them two years ago.
“Last year in Manchester it was all new and in that sense it could be quite tough to begin with,” Davies said.
“But now I’m coming to a team that has been together for a few years and has got a lot of experience of playing together.
“Having been captain at Manchester and Hull, it will be nice just to come in and get my head down without worrying about being a captain.
“I want to build a good relationship with the fans and hopefully they will see the pride I take in my work.”
(Image permission: Mark Ferris)
