Chris Davies sends message to Alfie May ahead of striker’s emotional Charlton reunion
Alfie May returns to Charlton Athletic today as part of top-of-the-table Birmingham City's attack
Chris Davies isn’t concerned about Alfie May getting caught up in the emotion of his return to Charlton Athletic.
Birmingham City play The Addicks at The Valley this afternoon and all eyes will be on top scorer May. Charlton sold May – who finished as their 27-goal top scorer last season – to Blues in July and the 31-year-old harbours some resentment over the way he was treated.
May said earlier this week that ‘the story will come out eventually’ and his motivation levels are clearly high. Davies insists he feels no need to address the issue with May who was a substitute in Blues’ 1-0 win at The Valley in the Carabao Cup in August.
“Because he went down there previously and played, I think whatever that was – and I don’t know what it was – it’s passed now,” said Davies. “He’s gone down to The Valley, he’s played and this will be the second time, so a lot of that will be out of his thinking now.”
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Managers sometimes utilise players’ inside knowledge of their former clubs but Davies is confident enough in his own analysis of Charlton to let May focus on scoring goals.
The Blues boss added: “I always get a feel when they first come of what their experiences were at previous clubs and everything that was going on there. Because we have played them before I have a good feel of what they are and what they are about.
“Alfie will have his views but I want him to concentrate on his own performance and not worry about too much else. He’s really switched on so he’ll be on the pitch and know what they’re trying to do, which can be helpful.”