Southampton youngster eyeing first senior loan – after dad said no

Saints defender Sonnie Davis revealed he cheekily asked his father, Kelvin, if he could be signed on loan, but was turned down. Kelvin Davis, a former Saints goalkeeper and coach, recently inked a three-year contract as Eastleigh’s manager after a successful short-term stint. Under his leadership, Eastleigh accumulated 20 points in 13 games, including five clean sheets, four of which were consecutive away wins.

Sonnie, 19, is a crucial right-back for Saints’ under-21s and is eager to experience senior football next season. Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: “I hope to secure a first-team loan next season. It will be a significant learning opportunity for me. Ultimately, my goal is to play for Southampton, which would be a dream come true.”

Sonnie humorously recounted a conversation with his father: “I jokingly asked Dad if I could get a loan. He replied, ‘Sonnie, you cannot be my first signing.’ We’ll see,” he added, noting that Saints players Jake Vokins and Will Merry had joined Eastleigh.

Kelvin, 47, who made 301 appearances for Saints from 2006 until his retirement in 2016, was instrumental in the club’s rise from League One to European competition. Sonnie did not follow his father as a goalkeeper but adopted some of his habits, such as always tucking in his shirt and wearing high socks.

“My dad always had his shirt tucked in, and I’ve kept that tradition. It’s part of my identity on the field,” Sonnie shared. He also commented on his position: “Despite inheriting many traits from my dad, including body type, my height wasn’t suited for goalkeeping. He used to joke that I had ‘chopped my hands off’ and insisted I not become a goalkeeper. Now, I’m proud to be a full-back.”

Kelvin often attended his son’s matches, blending into the background and avoiding giving instructions from the sideline. “My dad has always been supportive without being pushy,” Sonnie said. “He never forced me into anything and always encouraged me to work hard without fear of making mistakes.”

Reflecting on his development, Sonnie mentioned the impact of COVID-19: “During the pandemic, Dad gave me small tips to practice, which have become second nature in games.”

Towards the end of last season, Sonnie scored in three consecutive Premier League 2 matches, helping secure victories against Stoke City, Crystal Palace, and Norwich City. Despite missing the playoffs due to a poor finish, his performance caught the eye of potential recruiters.

“I’m now disappointed when I don’t score,” Sonnie joked. “Playing more regularly has boosted my confidence, making scoring feel more natural.”