Davidson heads to Championship after sealing Huddersfield deal

Australia defender Jason Davidson has opted to remain in England by signing a three-year deal with Championship club Huddersfield Town after also attracting interest from Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Turkey.

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Socceroos left-back Jason Davidson has signed on for three seasons with Huddersfield Town (Getty) Source: Getty Images

The 23 year-old, who parted company with West Bromwich Albion last month one season into his two-year deal, believes there is unfinished business in the UK, and is aiming to use the move as a springboard back to the Premier League.

The Socceroos left-back - a standout for his country at last year's FIFA World Cup and January's AFC Asian Cup - underwent a medical in Yorkshire on Friday to complete formalities with Huddersfield.
Coached by former England left-back Chris Powell, Huddersfield - which finished 16th in the Championship last season - is seeking to push for a play-offs spot or better in 2015-2016, with Davidson one of number of planned signings.

"Chris made it very clear that he wanted me at the club and that I would be his first choice at left back and having met him and the chairman (Dean Hoyle), there's a good chemistry there," Davidson told The World Game after inking the deal.

"I can't wait to now try and pay back the faith they have shown in me. Obviously, Chris played the same position as me at the top level with his country and also some great clubs.

"I feel I can learn a lot from him and the coaching staff at what is an ambitious, go-ahead club with a great stadium and really good facilities."

Davidson was won over by Powell's dogged pursuit and believes he will benefit from a hectic match schedule after making just five appearances in all competitions for the Baggies before negotiating his release in search of first team action elsewhere.

Powell left few stones unturned in making sure he has the right man, even receiving a personal recommendation from Baggies boss Tony Pulis, as well as members of the Hawthorns playing staff over Davidson’s character, commitment and dedication.

"The gaffer (Powell) actually wanted to bring me in on loan in January from West Brom but they blocked the move back then and he told me he's been tracking me for 18 months or so," added Davidson.

"I now just want to go out and perform for him and this club. I am hungry to show what I can do and I have a really good feeling that the club and myself are a good fit for each other. I feel he is going to bring out the best in me.

"People say the Championship is a very physical and rugged divsion and while there is some of that there are also a lot of top players at this level, players who are being looked at constantly by Premier League clubs.

"They get signed on a regular basis, so you are constantly in the shop window at this level.

"Of course, my aim is to get back to the Premier League and prove myself there in due course."

Davidson remained on the bench in Bishkek earlier this month as Australia edged past Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in its opening FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier, and knows to regain the top spot ahead of Turkey-based Aziz Behich he needs to be playing regular senior football.

"I spoke to Ange (Postecoglou) in the last camp and he just told me that he wanted me to get myself playing regularly at a good level and take things from there.

"It was great that we got the win over in Bishkek but of course you don't want to be sitting on the bench ... you want to be out there playing and I need to give myself every chance to do that for the national team."

Having arrived at West Brom underdone in the second week of August last year from the Dutch Eredivisie, Davidson has cut short holidays in Thailand to link up with his new teammates to ensure he gets a full pre-season under his belt with the Cherries.

"I really missed out on that hard preparation last season and I think it put me behind the eight ball in some ways at West Brom," he admitted.

"We start pre-season next Wednesday and I am here for that and will be there working hard to make sure I am ready when the competition kicks off."

There will be one brief interruption to those preparations however with Davidson to fly back to his home town of Melbourne to be with fiancée Natasha for the birth of their baby daughter next month before the family is re-united in England again soon after.

"I am hoping this is going to be a big year," Davidson said.


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5 min read
Published 26 June 2015 9:26pm
Updated 27 June 2015 8:25am
By David Lewis
Source: SBS

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