Wales u19 Striker Signs Professional Contract with Forest Green Rovers
Forest Green Rovers have signed Wales Under-19 international striker Blake Davies, represented by 1 Football Agency, on a one-year deal with the option for a further year.
1FA is a new football agency which has been set up by UK Football Trials, allowing us to offer representation to players we see at our events who move forward into a club.
Davies, formerly of Cardiff City and Bristol Rovers, was brought to our attention by former Rovers coach Ashleigh Hopkins, when he was released from their academy at the end of last season.
1FA intermediary James Price, who represents Davies, has since been able to facilitate a move on a free transfer to National League side Forest Green Rovers, who finished as runners up in the 2015-16 season and narrowly lost out on promotion, losing in the Playoff final.
Speaking about the move, Davies said: "When I had the phone call off my agent and he told me that Forest Green were interested I was totally thrilled.
“I can’t wait to get started and it’s a new chapter that I am thoroughly looking forward to."
Davies attended a UK Football Trials event in Essex at the beginning of the month and caught the eye of scouts and although the move to Forest Green came after Blake had scored two goals against them while playing in a cup game for Bristol Riovers the previous season, he spoke highly of the experience and the opportunities it presented to him.
"The trial was brilliant, I've never really done anything like that before but it was a great experience and the UK Football Trials and 1FA team have looked after me really well," he said.
Davies added: "There was a bit of interest from other clubs in the North but when Forest Green offered me the deal it was perfect for me and I made my mind up right away.
“This is what I’ve trained for over the years and now I’ve signed the deal I’m really looking forward to it.”
The striker, who has 6 caps at youth level for Wales, featured in the u17 European Champions two years ago where he came up against the likes of Russia, Belarus and Portugal, scoring two goals.
Davies has come a long way since turning out for amateur side Crumlin FC, where he spent four years playing under his Dad, and now hopes to feature in the qualifying stages of the u19 European Championships in November having made his debut earlier this year in a 1-0 win against the Czech Republic.
He will join up with his new team-mates at pre-season training on Wednesday ahead of a showcase friendly away at Cardiff City, before then starting the season with a trip to Woking.
1FA agent Jim Price said, "We are delighted that Blake has signed for Forest Green Rovers and have high hopes that he will be able to push his way into the starting squad this coming season.
"Players all over can learn from Blake - he is a great lad and one of the most dedicated and hard working players I have ever seen. He trains for 3 hours every day and actually had to be told to stop training to give himself a rest before he starts pre season!
He has sacrificed huge amounts to gain his contract and as a striker he is extermely strong, has a great touch and most importantly he is a lethal finisher off either foot. All the team wish him well for the coming season!"
News of the signing can also been here, on the BBC Sport website http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36518235