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Kevin Davies has delayed plans for a summer testimonial as he looks to extend his playing career.
The former Wanderers captain was due to host a showpiece game on August 1 at the Macron Stadium, with a number of legendary names signed on to play.
But the striker, who turns 38 next week, has put the match on hold as he looks to earn another playing contract at the end of this season.
Several other factors have also contributed to Davies’s decision to postpone his testimonial, not least the number of former team-mates who rushed to be involved.
Top stars including Ivan Campo, Stelios, Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, Ricardo Gardner and El Hadji-Diouf had all expressed an interest in appearing – but organisers were concerned that the game would feel too “rushed” if staged as a precursor to a pre-season friendly for the Wanderers first team.
It is now hoped a 90-minute match – with a provisional timeframe of late May 2016 – will be played.
In a statement issued to The Bolton News, Davies outlined the reasons behind his change of plan.
“When Bolton Wanderers Football Club granted me a testimonial at the end of last year I could not wait to start planning the event, involving my old ‘Reebok-days’ team mates and the fans,” he said.
“A small committee of close Bolton-based friends immediately started to work with the staff at BWFC to plan a memorable day at the Macron.
“The idea was to have a similar day to Jussi’s Testimonial; a legends game prior to the first teams traditional last pre-season friendly.
“We were immediately blown away by how many ex-BWFC players, staff, ex-team mates and celebrities came forward wanting to be involved in this event.
“With the list growing daily it soon became apparent that a 20 minute exhibition game would not be sufficient, and that logistically it was cramming too much into this day.
“I want this to be memorable for both me and my family, but also for the returning players, staff and, of course, you the fans.
“The players want to be able to relax and enjoy the occasion and spend time with the fans rather than being rushed off the pitch.
“If we were to progress with August 1 date this would not be possible. With the amount of players that are excited to play we believe we can run this as a single 90 minute game.
“This will enable the fans to sit back, relax and enjoy watching and reminiscing about the times, and memories, that we all created together.
“I am also considering playing on for another season so it could potentially clash with any pre season games I have next season.
“I hope you understand the reasons for making this decision. We are in discussion with BWFC about alternative dates. It is early yet but we are looking at May 2016 after the season finishes, and not interfering with any play-off dates.
“From the bottom of my heart thank you so much for the amazing 10 years at Bolton Wanderers. I want to return as a big celebration of that time, and enjoy the day with you all.
“Best of luck to BWFC for the rest of the season.”
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The former Wanderers captain was due to host a showpiece game on August 1 at the Macron Stadium, with a number of legendary names signed on to play.
But the striker, who turns 38 next week, has put the match on hold as he looks to earn another playing contract at the end of this season.
Several other factors have also contributed to Davies’s decision to postpone his testimonial, not least the number of former team-mates who rushed to be involved.
Top stars including Ivan Campo, Stelios, Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, Ricardo Gardner and El Hadji-Diouf had all expressed an interest in appearing – but organisers were concerned that the game would feel too “rushed” if staged as a precursor to a pre-season friendly for the Wanderers first team.
It is now hoped a 90-minute match – with a provisional timeframe of late May 2016 – will be played.
In a statement issued to The Bolton News, Davies outlined the reasons behind his change of plan.
“When Bolton Wanderers Football Club granted me a testimonial at the end of last year I could not wait to start planning the event, involving my old ‘Reebok-days’ team mates and the fans,” he said.
“A small committee of close Bolton-based friends immediately started to work with the staff at BWFC to plan a memorable day at the Macron.
“The idea was to have a similar day to Jussi’s Testimonial; a legends game prior to the first teams traditional last pre-season friendly.
“We were immediately blown away by how many ex-BWFC players, staff, ex-team mates and celebrities came forward wanting to be involved in this event.
“With the list growing daily it soon became apparent that a 20 minute exhibition game would not be sufficient, and that logistically it was cramming too much into this day.
“I want this to be memorable for both me and my family, but also for the returning players, staff and, of course, you the fans.
“The players want to be able to relax and enjoy the occasion and spend time with the fans rather than being rushed off the pitch.
“If we were to progress with August 1 date this would not be possible. With the amount of players that are excited to play we believe we can run this as a single 90 minute game.
“This will enable the fans to sit back, relax and enjoy watching and reminiscing about the times, and memories, that we all created together.
“I am also considering playing on for another season so it could potentially clash with any pre season games I have next season.
“I hope you understand the reasons for making this decision. We are in discussion with BWFC about alternative dates. It is early yet but we are looking at May 2016 after the season finishes, and not interfering with any play-off dates.
“From the bottom of my heart thank you so much for the amazing 10 years at Bolton Wanderers. I want to return as a big celebration of that time, and enjoy the day with you all.
“Best of luck to BWFC for the rest of the season.”
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