In September 2015 Kevin Davies hung up his boots on a distinguished career that spanned two decades, four leagues, six clubs, and ultimately led, at the ripe age of 33 years and 200 days, to wearing the Three Lions at Wembley.

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It made him the oldest England debutant since 1950, an honour that was unquestionably overdue after leading the line superbly for Southampton and Bolton at the highest level while banging in 123 goals in the process.

Here, the striker discusses the varying fortunes of four of his former employers but begins by revealing why a manager he shared so many memorable moments with at Bolton might soon be returning to the dug-out. 

The return of Big Sam

“Having spent a lot of time with him when I played under him - and I still see him out and about - I’d be surprised if he doesn’t manage again. He wants a bit of quality time with the family and he feels like he’s sacrificed a lot with his wife and kids and grandkids. He had the episode with England that would have affected him quite a lot but he came back with Palace and did really well.”

“He is probably enjoying himself now, doing a bit of travelling and media here and there, but he’s one of those guys who needs it; it’s like a drug to him. You see Harry Redknapp over at Birmingham, he can’t leave it alone, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Big Sam does the same after some time out. I remember when the call came from Sunderland his wife was saying ‘I think you’ve had your time’ but he just couldn’t resist it and there is always going to be an opportunity in football.”

Bolton are back

After steering Bolton to a Premier League top six berth in the early 2000s it’s fair to say that neither Allardyce nor Davies need ever buy a pint in the town again. Since then though the Trotters have hit hard times meaning promotion back to the Championship last May was a huge fillip for a club in financial peril.

“There’s always the fans who will want a bit more after seeing Huddersfield do it and the likes of Norwich and Southampton achieve back-to-back promotions but considering what’s gone on at the club these past few years just a bit of stability is needed now. Most people would take 21st place if offered because they still have an embargo on them and there is a salary cap too which will limit the quality they can bring in.”

Even with such intimidating restrictions in place however Davies believes his former side has just cause for optimism. 

“They’ve sold 11,000 season tickets so there will be plenty of fans backing them this year and it follows a great year just gone. To bounce straight back from League One is not easy and I’m really impressed with Phil Parkinson and his staff. Bolton are hard to beat and they’ll come into this season feeling they can compete.”

The saints and a sinner

As so often seems to be the case Southampton’s summer has been dominated by potential departures, in this instance Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk. As someone who still holds a deep affinity with the south coast club what does Davies make of it all?

“It just seems unsavoury. Clearly the player wants to go and Southampton are taking a stance which they have every right to do as he signed a new contract not so long ago. It needs to be resolved sooner rather later though because it looks inevitable that they’re going to sell him at some point. The club has done really well in the past bringing in players at the right time then selling them on but I know there are a lot of fans who would like those players to stay. That is so difficult when the big clubs come calling and maybe it’s the right move to sell him if they triple their money on him. With the model they have at Southampton they will have been planning this for months, years, and will know how best to reinvest that money.”

It’s a pragmatic response yet still the annual exodus that takes place at St Marys contrasts so sharply with the unity that was prevalent when Davies enjoyed two successful spells there.

“At Southampton we didn’t really have a lot of superstars: we were hard-working players who enjoyed training and each other’s company. We’d be out at weekends together having a few drinks. It was a proper changing room. We had characters like Carlton Palmer, John Beresford and David Hurst - old-school players - so no-one was allowed to go off on one and be Big-Time Charlies. I’d liken it to Wales at the Euros where they did so well without having any proper superstars other than Bale.”

“We had some good players of course. Matt Le Tissier was obviously the most naturally gifted player I’ve played with alongside Jay Jay Okocha. Marians Pahars was a natural finisher and they loved him down there. There was my partnership too with James Beattie” 

A new chapter at Deepdale

The recent appointment of ex-Norwich boss Alex Neil bodes well for another of Davies’ old clubs though he is quick to dampen any talk of possible promotion for Preston North End. Instead he insists that fans can look forward to watching football that is more pleasing on the eye. 

“What Alex Neil will inherit is a hard-working team with good team-spirit. The Preston fans were perhaps a little bit reserved with Simon Grayson because the football was more defensive-minded where things were kept nice and tight then we looked to get something on the break or from a set piece. So it may be a better style of football for the fans to see.”

Was he surprised at Grayson’s leaving for the vacant position at Sunderland?

“To be honest I wasn’t. He’s a very ambitious manager and he wants to get to the top. I enjoyed my two years working for him and he’s a very hard-working manager who never took a day off. He brings together a fantastic team spirit and has an eye for a player. He loves to develop those players and create a hard-working and well organised team. The problem at Preston though is that it’s run on an incredibly tight budget; one of the lowest in the league. I think considering the lack of investment on the playing staff and the wages they pay to reach 11th was tremendous. I think though that he wants to keep climbing the ladder and he views Sunderland as a chance to gain promotion and get into the Premier League. That’s where he wants to manage.”

The crumbling spires

Lastly we turn to Chesterfield, the veteran striker’s first club where he is still held in extremely high regard. Having finished bottom of League One last term the Spireites are sadly enduring a miserable time at present, something that clearly troubles Davies greatly.

“I went over to a couple of games last season and there was a lot of frustration with the fans with the lack of fight really. They’ve been a yo-yo club over the last five to ten years and fans are getting used to relegations and promotions between League Two and One and it would be nice for some stability. They’ve got a fantastic new stadium there and a good manager in Gary but again it all comes down to finances. There is a lot of grumbling about the owners and it’s not a particularly happy place to be right now.”

Would the 40 year old ever consider a return to his roots in any capacity?

“I think I would. I’ve done all of my coaching badges up to UEFA A and I’m studying at Manchester Met at the minute. I’ve been retired a couple of years now and I’m looking to get back with the club. I did speak to them a couple of times last season when Richie Humphries took over and I spoke to Richie offering him my services to help in any way. I was then invited to a game before Gary came but I didn’t put my hat into the ring as it were for the job. I’m looking for a role there because I had four great years where I learned my trade. I love the club.

New-Look Arsenal 5/2 to win a trophy this season

Manchester City 5/1 for a delightful double this season

“I think they’ll be frightening. Marcus is only going to get stronger and better. He’s been on a quick learning curve and already found himself a marked man in the Premier League. But he’s very grounded and won’t get ahead of himself and the pace of the two of them will give defenders an awful lot to think about. There is a suggestion that Jose might play the two up front and that’s something the fans at Old Trafford would love to see because them two would really be a handful.”

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With Alexandre Lacazette moving to the Emirates, and Alvaro Morata switching to Stamford Bridge already this summer, United, Arsenal and Chelsea have spent a whopping £190m on strikers between them. When asked to pick out the best signing of the trio, Pallister has no hesitation in picking the burly Belgian.

 “I’m going to say Lukaku because he is proven in the Premiership. The other guys come over to the Premier League and the pace and power is different, but Lukaku has done it regularly for West Brom and Everton. He is a proven Premier League goal-scorer, and I think that’s why Jose gave up on Morata. Lukaku is very bullish, brash and quick. He’ll mess defenders about.”

There is no questioning the 24 year old’s physical attributes or indeed his scoring prowess but an awful lot of pressure comes attached with a £75m fee. Is there a need for the striker to score early, and lay any doubts immediately to rest? 

“I’ve got to say that you never know how players will settle in at Manchester United as it’s a different animal altogether from Everton, even probably Chelsea. The level of expectation at United exceeds both of those clubs. He’s got to get used to that. When you go for that fee, everybody expects you to hit the ground running and be an instant hit, but it didn’t happen to Pogba last year and I’m sure if Lukaku doesn’t score in his first few games, the critics will be on his back.”

“He’s a great piece of business though and will bring more dynamism to this United side and more physicality. Rashford, Mata and Lingard are all good players, but haven’t got the power to worry defenders. Lukaka has that in abundance.”
He also has the benefit of being good friends with a new team-mate who has been there, seen that, and worn the shirt with a huge price tag on it. Having already alluded to Paul Pogba’s relative struggles last season does Pallister think it might help Lukaku to have a mate on the pitch to share the burden of expectation with? 

“I think it’s great and we’ve seen their friendship on social media playing basketball together and training together. That can only be a positive for the team and the players themselves. Paul had his critics when he joined due to the price tag and it was a tough season for him. I think we’ll see a better Paul Pogba this year, the one that we saw for France against England. He’s obviously full of quality and a big personality but finding a level of consistency last year was the tough part, along with dealing with all of the expectation. He’s going to have a massive season.”

When talk turns to United’s other big signing – the towering Swede Victor Lindelof – the former defender who won four Premier League titles at Old Trafford becomes more circumspect, claiming that a first team spot is anything but guaranteed.

“Maybe Lindelof has been brought in as first choice but that’s not always the case. Chris (Smalling) or Phil (Jones) can put in performances and all that changes. We saw that with Mkhitaryan where it took five months before he got into the first team and began proving himself on a regular basis. Who is to say that won’t happen with Lindelof? It’s not just about how you play but how you are in training and around the place.”

It is not only in central defence that competition for places is expected to be fierce this coming season, and the player fondly known as ‘Pally’ to team-mates and fans alike has been greatly encouraged at the progress made by several youngsters pushing for regular selection. With Jose Mourinho stereotypically distrustful of youth, who does he think has the best chance of changing that perception for good?  

“Youngsters are always going to be the future of Manchester United football club because that’s in their history. That’s been done throughout the decades and Jose has come to understand that. We saw that in a game last season where there were numerous debutants and the likes of Tuanzebe, Fosu-Mensah and Pereira have all got a chance. It’s a matter of putting in the performances and proving to Jose that you’re good enough for the first team with all the pressure that brings. Fosu-Mensah certainly looks a really powerful and strong defender. It’s actually frightening.”

If the Dutch teenager does succeed in finally putting the bed the notion that the Special One prefers players of experience there is also another long-standing cliché that Pallister is looking forward to being disproved.

“Jose has spoken about how United have to entertain and play a certain type of football which was a breath of fresh air for the fans because we’d had three years of stagnant football. That was hard to take after the Ferguson years where most of the time it was 4-4-2 and trying to score more goals than the opposition. So I will be intrigued to see how they start the season and whether he takes the reins off Rashford and plays him with Lukaku. I do think that Mourinho understands what Manchester United is all about now and he’s trying to play more entertaining and adventurous football.”

Whether it’s open, attacking fare or stoic pragmatism witnessed at the Theatre of Dreams this season ultimately of course it will come down to results. What does the ex-England international believe will be considered a successful campaign, and what will be viewed as unacceptable?

“It’s difficult to judge because last year we won two trophies and qualified for the Champions League all-be-it through the back door. Failure would certainly be failing to finish in the top four. That’s always been the remit for managers since Sir Alex left. But I would expect United to be up there challenging as well. It would be disappointing if we aren’t.”

New-Look Arsenal 5/2 to win a trophy this season

Manchester City 5/1 for a delightful double this season

Pep Guardiola’s first season in charge of Manchester City was a bit of a damp squib. Despite opening with 10 successive victories, the Blues were left trophyless at the end of the season – just the third time City have failed to win any silverware since 2010.

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The former Barcelona boss will be demanding a stronger push this time around and City will be very difficult to beat if they go all out in the four major competitions – the Blues are an incredible 2000/1 to win the quadruple this season.

City have moved quickly and effectively in the transfer window, suggesting that Guardiola’s men know exactly where they must improve to compete at the top of the Premier League table.

Monaco midfielder Bernardo Silva and Benfica goalkeeper Ederson Moraes completed their moves to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer before Kyle Walker also signed for the Blues last week.

All three men could play pivotal roles for City this season and the 27/20 available for Pep’s side to win one trophy represents decent value.

Winning the Premier League title will once again be City’s main objective but silverware is a necessity this year. Whether it is the title, the FA Cup, League Cup or even the Champions League, winning trophies is an absolute must.

For me, the value is in a double at 5/1. City have strengthened considerably this summer and their second string is arguably stronger than some first teams out there.

Finishing at the top of the Premier League would be nice but Pep will also be targeting victory in one of the two domestic cup competitions. With the luck of the draw on their side, City could find themselves back at Wembley Stadium again this year.

Who knows, the Blues might even win the Champions League (14/1) this term. European glory is the long term objective for City and their owners but consistent success in England’s top flight has to be a priority at this moment in time.

Two years ago, City reached the semi-finals of Europe’s elite club competition but fell short against Real Madrid. Now, they are arguably better equipped to compete for the Champions League – especially against the top teams in the business.

City are currently favourites for the Premier League crown at 9/5 with 888Sport and plenty of punters will be backing Pep’s side to go all the way this campaign. Perhaps only arch rivals Manchester United can compete with City on a player-by-player basis and that strength in depth could prove crucial come the end of May.

For those expecting City to disappoint for the second year in succession, you can get 21/20 on the Blues to win nothing. It is difficult to envision Guardiola’s men slipping up once again but England’s top flight is more competitive than ever before and nothing is a given.

Keeping Sergio Aguero at the club is an absolute must. Yes, Pep may favour Gabriel Jesus to lead the line but allowing the Argentina man to join Chelsea would be a suicidal move.

As of July 18^th, Aguero is a 6/4 shot to join the Premier League champions this summer – City must block any approach from their domestic rivals. If the Blues hold on to their key men and sign a couple more defensive-minded players, City will be in business.

In Pep Guardiola, they have one of the best managers on the planet at the helm and he can steer City to silverware for many years to come. Watch this space, the Blues will be right in contention on all four fronts this campaign...

No league can compete with the calibre of manager the top echelon of the Premier League has. Some iconic names, some improving young bosses and grizzled veterans ready to upset the applecart with a perfectly executed rearguard action.

It’s make or break for some of them, too. Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola were given a first season grace, but their immense spending sees the demands ratcheted up. Arsene Wenger must return Arsenal to the top four, Jurgen Klopp needs to take Liverpool to the next level and Antonio Conte faces the task of balancing European and domestic football.

Elsewhere, Mark Hughes could be under early pressure, Rafa Benitez must calm a jittery Geordie fan base and Frank de Boer is challenged with bringing stability and Premier League security to Crystal Palace.

The list goes on. Clubs are anxious for a good start, and managers face the brunt of that pressure, especially where spending has been particularly enormous. Yes, we’re looking at you Ronald Koeman.

Koeman is 12/1 for the award

Seldom does the Manager of the Year award go to anyone other than the league winner. It’s perhaps an expected result of such an award, but it does oversimplify the decision somewhat. Antonio Conte was a deserved recipient last season, though the value of Chelsea’s squad – that had won the title two years before – made it a point of debate. Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs were impressive throughout, too, and the Argentine had supposedly far inferior resources.

Overachievement might be the best barometer of a manager’s impact. Coaching is an unquantifiable factor, but the changes made to many of Pochettino’s players cannot go unnoticed. Conte, too, deserved recognition for the turnaround from where Chelsea were prior to his appointment. This could even suggest, then, that the title favourites’ manager can never win the Manager of the Year award.

Manchester City are title favourites and Guardiola is favourite for this award

Conte is 5/1 to retain his award, but that would surely take a superhuman effort from Chelsea both in the league and on their return to the Champions League. The Blues’ squad looks desperately thin – at the time of writing, anyway – and manoeuvring this group to another successful season is a step too far even for the prolific medal collecting Conte.

Mourinho joins Conte at 5/1, and a league title is long overdue for Manchester United. It would take an emphatic stroll to the Premier League crown, but Mourinho certainly has the team and experience to do it once again. Not a great price given their struggles last season, mind.

Other big name managers will naturally attract most of the money in this market. Wenger at 14/1 with Klopp could tempt a few given the unpredictability of next season’s top six.

The real outside shout currently is Slaven Bilic at 40/1. West Ham’s boss a Claudio Ranieri distance from the award in 2015/16 and the Irons’ investment this summer has a mist of hope around the London Stadium. Last season’s forgettable campaign must be shown to be a blip by Bilic – who will see his job under threat otherwise – but the Hammers could be the surprise package again.