I regret not signing with Manchester United to join Rangers. -Philip Clement

Billy Davies acknowledges that turning down Manchester United’s offer to join

Rangers was the worst decision he has ever made.

As a schoolboy, the former Motherwell and Dunfermline midfielder received a

five-year contract offer to join the Old Trafford powerhouses. The Glasgow-born child,

however, chose to go back home and sign the same deal at Ibrox after experiencing homesickness.

At the age of 17, Davies made his professional debut for the Gers,

but he didn’t play much for the team throughout his six years at Govan.

After that, he played for Jönköping and Elfsborg in Sweden before joining St. Mirren, Leicester City, the Pars, and Well. The former Scotland international, though, is constantly curious about what would have happened if he had stayed with the Red Devils, who under Sir Alex Ferguson went on to win both England and Europe.

“I got taken down to Manchester to the training ground and was down there from 12 until about 16 years old,” Davies remembered after being offered a contract by Dave Saxton, the United manager at the time. It was fantastic to mingle with the first team. Arthur Albiston, Gordon McQueen, and Joe Jordan were among the Scottish players on the team led by manager Dave Sexton. It was such a lovely location.

A five-year contract was offered to me, but I traveled overseas with the youth squad, was homesick, and told Dave Sexton that I had regrettably chosen to stay home and accept a five-year contract with Rangers.

For me, that was a very bad choice. I made a choice because I was impressionable, young, and homesick. However, the club was outstanding. Dave Sexton’s guidance was excellent. Lou Macari, Sammy McIlroy, Frank Stapleton, and the other first team boys would go down to the Cliff’s training site every day, and we would sit next to them during lunch. I must admit that it was an amazing experience. It’s an amazing club.

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