Davids looking to learn from Robson (From Times Series)

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids looking to learn from Mark Robson at Barnet

4:24pm Friday 12th October 2012 in Sport By Adam Newson

He has played at Barcelona, celebrated Champions League victory with Ajax and claimed three Serie A titles with Juventus. But Edgar Davids believes Barnet is the right place for him to learn his trade as a coach.

He has played at Barcelona, celebrated Champions League victory with Ajax and claimed three Serie A titles with Juventus. But Edgar Davids believes Barnet is the right place for him to learn his trade as a coach.

The Dutch international sensationally agreed a deal with the club last Thursday and was named joint head coach alongside Mark Robson. The 39-year-old is also hoping to make a return to first team football with the Bees.

The announcement that the midfielder had joined the Bees was understandably met with surprise by many.

So how did the move come about and why did the former Tottenham Hotspur player choose Barnet?

“I was invited to the training facility and I was really impressed and with the talent that was walking around, I was wondering why the club was underachieving.

“I am doing my coaching badges in the Netherlands and with that perspective it would be a great opportunity to start here with Mark.

“You shouldn’t forget that Mark has great experience and I can also learn from him because he has coached in the Premier League.

“So I am learning the trade and I feel there is a challenge to develop the talent that is running around here.”

Davids is currently working towards his UEFA A license and prior to his arrival at Underhill had been coaching Sunday league side Brixton United to two cup victories.

After a glittering playing career, it is highly probable Davids could have cut his teeth in coaching at a big European club.

However, he believes he is in the right place to continue his development.

“Marco van Basten did it at an amateur level and there are a lot of coaches that started low," he said.

“You need to start at a certain level and need to see first of all if you like it (coaching).

“If you then have the opportunity to learn from somebody who has Premier League experience you then also have to take that into account.

“We will see if I have the capabilities of reaching the highest level, but do I want that? I saw (Pep) Guardiola and (Frank) Rijkaard when they started and saw them age with grey hair. I'm too good looking for that so want to stay here.”

With Davids, whose current deal runs until the end of the season, and Robson now in charge, it was inevitable they’d be questioned on who would have the final decision when it came to matters such as picking the team.

Robson believes that the duo will work together on selecting a side, although he acknowledges there are likely to be occasions they disagree.

He said: “I think that (picking the team) is something we will work out together. It is important to have a very good relationship but I am sure we will disagree on certain things.

“I’m sure it will be a joint thing. We will put our heads together and try to come up with a team that will perform on the day.”

Davids added: “I regard Mark highly and his philosophy is almost the same as mine. So you both think in a certain way and that is the most important thing.

“So I don’t think it is going to be an issue because if you have a certain philosophy, you have certain actions that go with that.”