Steven Davis – The Interview

Steven Davis arrived at Rangers in 2008, on loan from Fulham, in an excitement which I can only describe as similar to what the younger generation would feel now with the arrival of a Nico Raskin for example.

He impressed immediately helping Rangers to a European final and a double before the club sealed a permanent transfer. Utilised on the right of midfield he tucked in to become a vital cog for a Walter Smith side that won three titles consecutively.

He was part of the side which won final day titles at Tannadice and Rugby Park whilst also scoring in the League cup Final of 2011, against Sunday’s opposition Celtic.

Injury has robbed Davo of adding to his silverware collection as a knee injury has stopped his season. Being out of contract in the summer he is adamant we have not seen the last of him for both club and country however.

He’s a Rangers supporter from a young age and few would bet against Steven Davis doing exactly that.

With thanks to Nick Thomson and the Rangers media team we were able to speak with Steven minutes after he had been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the weekends Edmiston House opening show.

How does it feel?

“Unbelievable. I came over to the club when I was 11-years-old and I can still remember coming into Ibrox. I used to come in and get changed and go across to the astroturf and play games.

I remember wearing a shirt and tie, the marble staircase, the famous Hall of Fame board. My dream coming in was to play for the club at some point and to be in a position to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is hard to put into words what it means to me but it’s a huge honour.”

Does going away and coming back make it more special?

“I don’t know. You never know what’s round the corner in football. You can try and plan out in your head what you would like to happen. Obviously the circumstances when I had to leave wasn’t by no means ideal, it was never in my plans. Things happen and obviously that was the case. Then I got the opportunity to come back to the club although I always thought I would like to finish my career here.

You never know if that’s going to happen so to come back to the club was really special for me.

To get the opportunity to try and win more trophies at that stage of my career was really important that I would go somewhere I knew I’d enjoy and somewhere that meant a lot to me and drive me forward for the remaining years of my career.”

If you had to pick two other players to form a midfield three over your two spells who would you choose?

“Barry Ferguson was an idol of mine growing up so to get the opportunity to play with him and seeing up close how good he was, I’d have to definitely pick him.

Beyond that, if I put myself in there it’s a really difficult question. I don’t think anybody has ever asked me that before!

There’s been so many and I always find these type of questions so difficult because you go through different periods in terms of how the team plays. Kevin Thomson was really important for us at times the way he played. Now, you’ve got Glen Kamara, Jacko, Lunny. I don’t know, I find it really difficult to answer.”

Where does this rank in terms of a personal highlight?

“It’s huge.

I’ve been very fortunate to be recognised for my career in different ways over the last few years.

For me, growing up as a fan, all my dream was was to actually play for Rangers at some point. To be in a position where I’m actually being inducted in the Hall of Fame, it’s unbelievable and I can’t quite take it in.”

Did you expect you would be here when you came back four years later picking up a Hall of Fame award?

“Not quite sure. I don’t think it’s ever something you really expect. You come back just hoping you’ll have some success and pick up a couple of trophies in your time and make sure you play a part in bringing the club back to where it should be. To still be here four years later, unfortunately the circumstances I’m in currently is a little bit disappointing but it’s still great to be a part of the club.”

How big an influence was Walter?

“He was huge.

Just a pure man-management aspect he was unbelievable, tactically very good. I don’t think at that point I would’ve seen myself as a right midfielder but the way the team played I think it really suited me and suited my attributes with an overlapping full-back and me being able to tuck inside and give me the freedom to go and express myself.

I think it’s great whenever a coach recognises that in you. As a young player you don’t always see that.

For me, he was a really special man and a really big influence on my career.

I went through a couple of difficult times even at that time that maybe people don’t know about but he was a great support to me. Just the way he dealt with everything will always stand in my head just the mark of the man that he was.”

Is there a special moment that stands out?

“There’s many memories. First title at Dundee United was huge, Kilmarnock away, another league title when we were 3-0 up early doors and being able to actually enjoy the rest of the game.

The League Cup final when I scored. We were behind in the league at that point and it was a massive swing factor.

Going unbeaten throughout a season, the disappointing thing was that there was no fans there but there are so many memories. I think when you’re at a club like this you go through such a rollercoaster of emotions throughout a season. You just have to try and stay level-headed and make sure you try and achieve your goals come the end of the season. It doesn’t always happen but when it does you get a week or two to enjoy it and make sure you go again next year.