WANDERERS legend Kevin Davies has thrown his weight behind the new Bolton, Bury and District League’s proposed Under-21s league by giving young players an insight into the professional game.

Davies was unable to attend the launch night at the Macron Stadium as he played for Preston North End in their FA Cup tie with Manchester United, but the 36-year-old still gave a flavour of what the teams can expect with a presentation on helping organisers run the scheme.

Among the developments include fitness testing, pre-season training and also a special football camp for the winners of the league.

Speaking after the event, the striker said: “We are trying to bridge the gap between U18s and adult football.

“They might enjoy the professionalism.

“I have emailed Jimmy Phillips at the Bolton Wanderers Academy and tried to get them on board.

“There is some research into individual players and ratings in terms of fitness, physique and speed and acceleration in each of the professional leagues.

“We will be working with them during the pre-season and I am going to do some coaching to help them improve.”

Davies has developed long-term plans for the scheme, including trying to get a Champions League-style format, where the winners of the league will take on other U21 league winners across the country.

Warren Barlow, chairman of the league has praised Davies for his role as patron in the league.

He said: “Kevin (Davies) brings knowledge, expertise, contacts and a drive that has given the whole league a boost and allowed it to achieve what it has sought for many years, in the space of a few months.

“When you work closely with Kevin you start to understand why he has had such a successful and long career and why others have entrusted such things as captaincy to him. He leads by example.”