Sean Davis rejected by West Ham
last updated Sunday 10th June 2001, 9:53 AM
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Sean Davis
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THE precocious talents of Sean Davis were
nearly lost to the game after he was rejected by Fulham's neighbours Wimbledon
and West Ham.
And a life of uncertainty would have followed for the England Under-21 midfielder
but for the intervention of two community workers at Battersea.
The critics continue to rave on about Davis, a player described by Craven
Cottage's French boss Jean Tigana as indispensable.
He is already being tipped to make quick progression to Sven Goran Eriksson's
full England squad and Tigana claims he will eventually be forced to turn
down bids in excess of pounds 10million when the youngster is unleashed
on the Premiership scene next season.
But soccer stardom could have easily been lost to the boy who dreamed of
pulling on the blue shirt of Fulham's arch-rivals Chelsea and was told he
would never get the opportunity to kick a ball for a living.
He revealed: "I was at Wimbledon for a year and they said I wasn't
good enough, and West Ham only took a week to say the same and show me the
door.
"Initially I was a bit disillusioned after the rejections. I kept playing
local football at Battersea youth centre, but there were times when I thought
my dreams would never be realised.
"I was extremely lucky, though. The coaches at Battersea, Ray Henry
and Andrew Beadle, recommended I gave it another shot and told me to go
for trials at Fulham. I've never looked back.
"I've been fortunate with Tigana. He's been like a breath of fresh
air. He used to play in my position, so that helps, but the assistant coach
Christian Damiano has brought my game on as well.
"Next season will be the real test for Fulham when we mix it with the
big boys.
"I believe the present squad are strong enough to stay in the Premiership,
but we are looking to bring in at least five players because we want to
go up and be seen to be challenging the top clubs for honours."
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Source Sunday Mirror
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