The signing of 21-year-old Tom Davies from Arniston Rangers in January was hailed as a big boost to manager Scott Bonar’s attacking options.
Our new boy’s Arniston performances over the previous year or so had attracted the attention of a number of clubs higher up the pyramid, so we were naturally delighted Tom chose Haddington as the best option via which to progress his career.
He made his debut as a substitute in January’s match at home to Hill of Beath Hawthorn and scored his first Hi Hi’s goal in spectacular fashion with a free kick at Tynecastle on 24 February. After netting our second in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Heriot-Watt University, Tom has scored five goals in his first nine appearances for Haddington. We recently caught up with the promising forward to find out about how he is settling into life at Millfield.
Q. What attracted you to the club?
“Haddington is a big club. When I spoke to Scott, I knew I wanted to sign straight away. I initially signed a pre-contract but Scott made it clear he wanted me to come in as quickly as possible. I spoke to a few other clubs but knew I wanted to go to Haddington. I had played at Millfield when I was younger and knew it was a great ground.”
Q. Playing at a higher level must have been a selling point?
“I had played in the Premier Division at Newtongrange previously but was maybe a bit young and didn’t get much game time. I went on loan to Arniston for three or four months then was called back to Newtongrange for the last couple of months of that season. I then signed for Arniston permanently. It gave me the opportunity to get a few years of experience and I managed to do well at a great club.”
Q. Have you always played in attacking positions?
“I have been a striker for most of my days. About a year ago or so, they moved me to the left and I felt I was a bit better in that position. It suited me being able to run at people and take them on. I managed to score a few goals from that position also.”
Q. It must have been a great feeling to score your first Hi Hi’s goal in spectacular style?
“It was. I felt a bit of pressure. It was my first free kick for Haddington. I had been holding off taking one as I didn’t want to barge in. But this was my opportunity. I felt confident that I could score when I did take one. Guy (McGarry) went over the ball before I took the strike. The keeper’s positioning wasn’t very good. As soon as I hit the ball, I realised there was a good chance it would go in.”
Q. What are your feelings about the side’s form since you arrived at the club?
“It has been a tough start since I came here but I’m more than confident from training with the boys that we’ll start picking up points and climb the table. By doing well in the League Cup, we can build confidence and improve our league position.”
Q. Looking ahead to next season, do you feel we can challenge towards the top of the table?
“Challenging is 100% realistic. We’ve had a lot of injuries this year. If we can maintain a good core squad – with some new boys coming in – we can definitely challenge. We just need to stick together, have a good preseason and then kick on.”
Q. What has been your greatest achievement as a footballer?
“We finished fourth two seasons ago at Arniston. Normally that wouldn’t be enough to go up (to the First Division), but Linlithgow Rose won the play off to get promoted to the Lowland League from the Premier Division, and so there was a spare spot. Instead of three teams going up, it went to four being promoted. We played Easthouses and knew if we won the match we would get promoted. The celebrations afterwards were fantastic.”
Q. What interests do you have outside of football?
“I like to go to the gym outside of football days. My dad plays golf and I enjoy playing with him. He’s quite good though – so I’ve got to be at my best when we play together!”
Q. Growing up, did you have any footballing models?
“I always admire Neymar. I had a few of his tops when he signed for Barcelona. I always admired Rudi Skacel at Hearts and also Wayne Rooney.”
Q. What do you do for a living?
“I work for Ryan Moore, the Arniston captain, as a labourer. I’ve been doing that for around year.”
Q. That must be hard work. You’re still able to go to the gym afterwards?
“Well, it can be tough at times. When I first started, I was falling asleep very quickly at the end of every day!”
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