Kevin Davies' send-off wasn't a fairy tale ending but it was more than appropriate

After a decade of incredible memories, Bolton will begin a new era without the ever-present Kevin Davies in their ranks. It's fair to say that an SKD goal at the death to send Bolton Wanderers into the playoffs would have been the perfect ending to the captain's Trotters tenure. That never had a chance of happening as the club captain was left out of the match day squad. That was the right call.

Dougie Freedman did not yield to sentiment and arguably made the correct call in not naming Kevin Davies to the bench. As such, the Bolton legend would not have a role to play as Wanderers drew 2-2 against Blackpool and missed out on the playoffs by the smallest of margins. Both of the strikers that Dougie named to the bench were used and both did their best to affect the outcome of the match with the former being the real game-changer and the latter providing added bite at the end.

Kevin Davies would get his good-bye when all was said and done. The final whistle had blown, the team had a chance to discuss what happened in the dressing room, and the players emerged back onto the pitch.

Bolton supporter and great friend of the blog, Enzo Gambaro, described the send-off for those not at the Reebok:

"I'm delighted that Kev got proper send-off. Right decision not to play him but classy to give him a goodbye.

"A lap of honour and he took his kids around the pitch with Super Kev chants ringing out. The players applauded him off. It was touching and fitting.

"It didn't affect the match and gave both him and the fans a little bit of catharsis after recent events."

Kevin Davies and his family will move on to as yet unannounced pastures new and we, along with every other Bolton Wanderers fan out there, wish them the very best of luck. There is no doubt it will be strange seeing Super Kev in another team's shirt but it's what is best for all parties.