Davis Signs as Winchester City Manager

Long-serving Winchester City Manager, Craig Davis has signed a contract at the Hampshire club until the end of the 2023-24 season, writes Matt Richbell.

Davis, a former Cardiff City youngster in his playing days, came to City as Interim Player-Manager from Fleet Town in the 2016-17 campaign and has remained at the helm since.

‘Davo’ has overseen the Citizens’ ascent up the non-league football pyramid, with City currently playing in the Southern Premier League for the first season in the clubs’ history. Craig has led City on several impressive FA Cup runs and also guided his side to the First Round Proper of the FA Trophy this season, another first for the red and blacks.

Craig has worked exceptionally hard and has impressed both with his style of management and the way his team plays, but also with excellent results which have seen his City side become the most successful in the clubs’ history.

Davo has said of the contract; "I'm made up about the contract. I've never needed one and money is irrelevant to me. I've wanted to move the club forward as best as I can and it's well known I've had several chances to leave, but I wanted to know the club is moving forward. Knowing the club has gone up a league unexpectedly, and there's really exciting plans afoot off the pitch as well to propel the club forwards. I love working for the Directors, Chairman etc. and I wouldn't want to work anywhere else."

Chairman, Ken Raisbeck and Elliott Trodd, Director of Football, both agreed that Craig deserves rewarding for his efforts and this contract not only reflects that, but it also signals the clubs’ ambitions moving forward. When speaking of Craig's contract, Elliott said;

"We are delighted that Davo has made this commitment to the club. He has been an integral part of our recent success on the pitch and from clubs' perspective, it's a clear statement of intent to our fans."

Ken Raisbeck spoke of the contract for Davo and stated;

"Without Craig's leadership, we simply would not be where we are. We want stability and certainty moving forward. Craig has so impressed us from the beginning with his work ethic, the way he deals with the Directors and the performances he gets from the lads on the pitch, so for us it was a very easy and straightforward thing to do and the timing of it is absolutely right as well."

‘Davo’ has been the subject of approaches from other clubs during his tenure at City, but has remained loyal, and his loyalty has paid dividends both for himself but also the club.

As the club embarks on another exciting era, with plans for a 4G pitch at The City Ground coming to fruition, Davis’ new contract is another indication of City’s desire to succeed.

Craig has managed well over 200 games at City, winning more than half of those games and his City side score on average over two goals per game, emphasising Davo’s attacking style of football, which provides great entertainment for the ever-increasing crowds at the Charters Community Stadium.

Winchester City Web Site