THE news about Kevin Davies leaving at the end of the season has shocked a lot of Wanderers fans and I am not surprised at the reaction for a player who is a stalwart of the club.

Like many of those fans I will be sad to see Davo go because of what he has done for the club in nearly 10 years at the Reebok.

It is not just on the pitch where he has given his all, but off the pitch as well he has done so much with his charity work and the way he has represented the club.

Ten years is a long time at one club and the feel and affinity he has for the place means he will naturally be gutted to move on to pastures new.

He has carried the club for a number of years; the big stars came for a few years and went under Sam but he was there right the way through.

I’m sure he will have been hugely disappointed with the news on Tuesday and I know how he will be feeling.

When I left Wanderers, I don’t think I have ever felt as low because it was a wrench to go.

He will feel like that as well, but I suppose when your time is up, you have to accept it.

Dougie Freedman has come in and, like many managers, he wants to build his own team.

You could say Davo should get another year because of sentiment but I wonder if he would be happy if it meant he did not play that much.

I don’t think he is the sort of player to be happy sitting on the bench and it would be sad if it just fizzled out for him that way after all he has given to the club’s cause.

The best way would be to go out on a high – hopefully by helping Wanderers win promotion this season. That would be perfect.

There has been much debate over whether he will get a testimonial but I personally think he will and he deserves one because he has built a legacy here.

He should get a proper send off and I am sure most of the money would go to the local charities he works with.

The question after that is where will he go next?

I think it depends on the style a team play; if they play to his strengths, he still has a lot to give.

People may put two and two together and get five and link him with a reunion with Sam at West Ham.

I could see that, but we will have to wait and see.

Kevin will know what he has left in the tank and he will have plenty of offers.

*** THE team is back in action at Charlton on Saturday after the international break and I hope everyone is refreshed and ready to go again.

There is no question that nothing less than wins will do now in the final eight matches.

I hope the break has worked in our favour with only a few away but it is back to work now.

This stretch in the run-in can really make a difference.

It is a crazy league where anyone really can beat anyone and we have to hope that teams around us drop points; some above us are having a bit of a sticky patch.

We have had ours and hit a rich vein of form before the Ipswich defeat. It is important we get back on track to that now.

*** IT is loan deadline today and I would not rule out a new face arriving at Euxton for the run-in.

A new signing can bring a freshness to a squad and add a bit of a spark that you sometimes need.

We have seen it January transfer windows in the past with the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Jack Wilshere coming in and helping us go on fantastic runs.

A new player creates competition and as a player you relish that and having to fight for your place; I know I did.

It brings out the best in people and if the manager can freshen things up today, it will help.

I know there have been links with various players but maybe clubs were waiting to see who comes back fit from international duty before letting players out.

*** AWAY from the Reebok and it was great to see my old pal Browny back in the game at Southend this week.

I am chuffed to bits for him because he has been kicking his heels and itching to get back in for some time.

He has finally got that chance at Southend and I spoke to him after he was appointed and know he is excited.

He deserves it, too, because he has had one or two jobs where it has not quite worked out.

We need people like Browny in the game because he is infectious and passionate about football; it is his life and soul and I really hope things go well for him.