KEVIN Davies will get the celebration game he wants to mark almost a decade of service to Wanderers.
That’s the assurance of chairman Phil Gartside who said all the 36-year-old skipper needs to do is ask the club, as is current procedure.
Football League protocol is such that a player only qualifies for a testimonial following the completion of 10 years service, be that successive or in different spells.
But a benefit match can be granted, if requested.
And Gartside defiantly told Talksport the club would have no hesitation in accepting that request to allow Davies a match to celebrate his great contribution to Bolton Wanderers.
Davies sparked debate among the Whites faithful on Tuesday following the club’s announcement he would not be offered a new contract in the summer when his current deal expires.
He stated he wanted a testimonial to say goodbye to the Wanderers fans but had been told he would not get one because his contract ends five days before he reaches a decade at the Reebok.
But The Bolton News revealed that he would have to request a celebration match, rather than the usual testimonial for 10 years’ service, and it would be considered.
And Gartside confirmed as much in a sometimes heated exchange in his response over the airwaves.
He said: “Kevin is more than welcome to have a testimonial and if he asks for one, he could have one tomorrow. I can say that unequivically.
“We have not said he cannot have one but it is not our gift and the usual way is for an approach from a testimonial committee that then needs to get Football League approval.
“In my chairmanship we have demonstrated that players have been rewarded for their loyalty and I am proud of the way we look after our players like that.”
Davies may have other things on his mind today, however, with the loan deadline closing in and the potential for a move away before his deal at Wanderers runs out.
He revealed clubs were interested and could consider a move if a permanent deal next season was involved.
He told Talksport: “There are a few clubs interested, some from the Championship and some abroad as well.
“I had not really thought about it because I presumed the club would make an offer for next season – even on reduced terms – to keep me around the place and call on my experience.
“If I don’t go on loan, it will be hard to stay involved but I will always try my best and be professional.”
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