Hull Seahawks' coach Matty Davies' set for sympathetic welcome on return to Leeds Knights

FIERCE RIVALS they may be on their respective benches come Sunday evening at Elland Road Ice Arena, but there will remain a healthy respect between Ryan Aldridge and Matty Davies.
By Phil Harrison
Published 12th Nov 2022, 07:45 BST
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The two worked effectively together for Leeds Knights last season when Aldridge replaced Dave Whistle mid-season, taking over a team that had 32-year-old Davies operating at centre.

It was the second time they found themselves on the same bench, the two first coming together when Aldridge returned ‘home’ to take over as player-coach at Swindon Wildcats during the 2008-09 English Premier League season.

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Davies remained in Wiltshire that season before himself heading back to familiar territory to play for Hull Stingrays in the Elite League.

TOUGH TIMES: Matty Davies was a fans' favourite during his one season with Leeds Knights. He has found it tough going with hometown team Hull Seahawks so far this season. Picture courtesy of Hull Seahawks/Tony KingTOUGH TIMES: Matty Davies was a fans' favourite during his one season with Leeds Knights. He has found it tough going with hometown team Hull Seahawks so far this season. Picture courtesy of Hull Seahawks/Tony King
TOUGH TIMES: Matty Davies was a fans' favourite during his one season with Leeds Knights. He has found it tough going with hometown team Hull Seahawks so far this season. Picture courtesy of Hull Seahawks/Tony King

It was to Hull where Davies again returned this summer, throwing his lot in with co-owners Ian Mowforth and Joe Lamplough to restore NIHL National hockey to the city.

It has been a tough baptism of fire for the Seahawks in their first-ever season, with just one win from 17 games, bottom of the table and beset by injuries and visa issues that prevented their two imports from playing any part in the opening two months of the campaign.

Former Swindon forward Emil Svec was eventually cleared to play, but lasted less than half of his debut at Telford Tigers last Saturday after being ejected from the game for a check to the head.

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Yesterday he was hit with a 10-game ban by the EIHA disciplinary committee, a punishment the Seahawks have immediately appealed against. Aldridge has been a sympathetic ear for Davies in recent months and has genuine sympathy for his former player’s situation at Hull.

SYMPATHETIC EAR: Leeds Knights' head coach Ryan Aldridge hopes former player Matty Davies can turn Hull Seahawks's season around. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.SYMPATHETIC EAR: Leeds Knights' head coach Ryan Aldridge hopes former player Matty Davies can turn Hull Seahawks's season around. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.
SYMPATHETIC EAR: Leeds Knights' head coach Ryan Aldridge hopes former player Matty Davies can turn Hull Seahawks's season around. Picture courtesy of Oliver Portamento.

“It’s been a tough period for him,” said Aldridge. “”Matty is a very passionate hockey player and he’s very, very passionate about that club. It’s tough for anybody to be in that situation - but especially for a coach who cares about the club as much as he does, so I feel for him, I really do.

“It’s important for Hull to be in this league. It’s good for the league, it’s good for the north of England, it’s good for us with the rivalry, the same with Sheffield.

“We’ve spoken a few times over the last few weeks, about different things. And I said before he left here that if there was anything I could do to help, he should let me know. That’s still the case.”

Related topics:Leeds KnightsHullDave Whistle