Cymande Davis was more than happy to help out when Dandy Town contacted him just before the season started to say they needed a goalkeeper to fill the void caused by the five-year suspension given to Treadwell Gibbons at the end of last season.

Davis put through a transfer from St George’s, where he coached a couple of years ago and played a few games as an outfield player, and was quickly back between the sticks for Town, rusty but eager to play a role for the league champions even if work commitments prevent him from training.

“We’re just trying to groom the younger goalkeeper coming through, Ajai Daniels,” said Davis, who, ironically, has coached Daniels in Town’s youth teams from the age of 9 along with some of the other youngsters whom Town are trying to groom this season such as Jahtino Richardson-Martin, Oneko Lowe, Amar Lewis, Azende Furbert and Jahnazae Swan.

Swan has already netted four goals this season along with team-mate Clay Darrell to be Town’s joint-leading scorer.

Daniels played the first Dudley Eve Trophy match, but Davis has been the goalkeeper in the past three matches, including the first two league matches, which Town lost. “I was hoping they would push him a little further, but it is up to the coaches, really,” said Davis, now in his forties.

“He’s only 16 but I think he’s ready. He’s been playing for me since the age of 9. I brought him all the way through. The chance is there for him.”

A serious shoulder injury halted Davis’s career as a goalkeeper, but in his prime for Town he was one of the best on the Island. Town see his experience as vital as they try to get into some sort of form in the league.

“It’s been eight years and I still feel rusty, but once the whistle blows I feel my old self again,” Davis said. “I still haven’t been able to train with the team due to work commitments, which is a little bit unfair to them, but I still do my extras. I’m older, so I know what it takes.

“I guess that’s why I’m there; they need me to lead. I would never say no to Dandy Town; that’s my heart. I just need to lead a little more to help us out of this rot. I’m just trying to help out where I can and hopefully Ajai comes along nicely and fits in.”

Davis added: “I think they just want to get the three points to get up and running and most definitely I’ll pass the reins over to Ajai. I’ll be on the bench for support. I had surgery and after the surgery I never did anything after that; only playing a few games for St George’s.”

Town appreciate the importance of experience in their team, as veteran Damon Ming was their key player last season when they won the league, FA and Dudley Eve Trophy, winning the MVP award himself as Jomar Wilkinson was the coach of the year.

Now Davis says the team need the fans to be patient and get behind the team as they try to get a win under their belt, starting with Somerset Trojans tomorrow.

“I feel the fans and us just need to settle down a bit, they’re not expecting us to play like this, but if they show us their support and give the guys a chance we’ll be all right,” said Davis.

“There’s no need to panic; the coaching staff are keeping us calm.”

Town are one of three clubs without a point from two league games, but they sit just ahead of Flanagan’s Onions and Southampton Rangers on goal difference. Town meet North Village Rams next weekend before playing the Rams again in the semi-finals of the Dudley Eve Trophy the next weekend.