Jets lure Davis back to Northgate

May 26 2008 by David Triggs, Chester Chronicle

BIG Storage Cheshire Jets have completed their first transfer of the close-season by bringing back fans’ favourite Calvin Davis.

The 6ft 8in forward has returned to his spiritual home after one season with Everton Tigers, who had made Davis a substantially improved contract offer in a bid to keep him on Merseyside.

The 31-year-old, who has been instantly installed as club captain, needs no introduction to Jets supporters having been an integral member of their legendary ‘JetWash’ team from 2002.

Jets head coach Paul Smith said: “Calvin was the first player I signed in both my previous full seasons of coaching the Jets, both of which ended in success.

“He is one of a very small number of forwards in the BBL who is capable of producing performances of the highest calibre on a consistent basis. In addition, he is a model professional on and off the court and, for these reasons, I have already decided to make him team captain, as I know he will lead the squad effectively.”

Jets director Pete Hawkins added: “Calvin is a real Jets favourite, and this announcement will send an unequivocal message to our fans and the rest of the league that we intend to be competitive at the highest level this season. But it is not only on court that he is going to be invaluable – he is a true role model for the young people of Cheshire and will play a large part in our community programme next season.”

Davis enjoyed four trophy-laden seasons with the Jets from 2001 to 2005, and also made a handful of appearances for them in the 2005-06 campaign.

As well as being a driving force in the JetWash team which achieved a clean sweep of BBL honours, the Texan also featured in the championship-winning side of 2005 and was a permanent fixture in the BBL all-star team.

Andrew Donaldson, owner of BiG Storage, the club’s principal sponsor, said: “Congratulations to Paul Smith on securing such a significant signing so early in the summer. “The fact that he has been successful in prising him away from Everton should add some extra spice to next season’s local derbies.”

Jets have reached an advanced stage in other contract negotiations and hope to be in a position to make further announcements regarding other significant signings over the next few weeks.