Why i had to go - Daws

The ever-reliable midfielder signed for newly-promoted First Division side Rotherham United yesterday to become the second Shakers player to join the Millers on a Bosman free transfer in a matter of weeks.

Daws followed in the tracks of defender Chris Swailes who went to Millmoor in the middle of last month but had to think long and hard before making the move.

Signed by the then manager Mike Walsh from non-league Altrincham in 1993, Daws became a firm favourite with the Shakers faithful and was a kingpin in the back-to-back promotion seasons that saw Stan Ternent's side rise from Division Three to Division One.

And it's the opportunity to once again play in that higher flight that, as much as anything, persuaded the 31-year-old his Bury days were through.

"Obviously I've got mixed feelings about leaving Bury and I'm sure it will be very strange at first," he said. "I never have, nor ever will, hear a bad word about the club, they gave me my big chance in league football and I'll always be grateful to the Bury supporters for the backing they have given me over the years."

That backing may not always have been 100 per cent over the past couple of seasons and Daws has his own ideas why he was sometimes given a hard time by a section of the Gigg Lane crowd.

"On the whole my relationship with the Bury fans was superb but there are always some people who don't see things the same way - but they pay their money so are entitled to their views.

"I'd be lying to say some comments about me haven't hurt, especially after I stuck around when a lot of the other lads in our championship winning team moved on.

"I don't think the media-hyped disclosure of what I was supposed to be earning helped - but it was complete nonsense.

"In fact I think it did a lot of damage to some fans' opinions of me but it was out of my hands. "Apparently I was supposed to be on £4,000 to £5,000 a week at Bury, but if that had been the case I wouldn't be leaving because I'm not on anything like that at Rotherham!"

But Daws has some great memories of his time in the famous white shirt and points to an April Saturday afternoon in Hertfordshire four years as his highlight.

"The draw we got at Watford to secure promotion to Division One is probably the best memory for me," he explained.

"It was total exhilaration closely followed a week later by the sell out crowd at Gigg when we sealed the title by beating Millwall.

"But there were plenty of other high spots. Playing at Old Trafford against Manchester United in my first season for example, I was a part-timer on £130 a week.

"Then as a big Blue, playing and winning at Maine Road was another great day, not forgetting running out at Wembley in the 1994 play-off final.

But it's the red shirt of Rotherham that Daws will be stepping out in on August 11 and it's a decision that he's sure is the right one for him.

"I was offered First Division football, a three year contract and security for my family and the deal takes me almost to my 35th birthday," he added.

"Set that against a one year deal at Bury - despite the offer of a testimonial after ten years service - I think it it's the correct move for me.

"It brings a tear to the eye but that's football. I did five years with Altrincham then never imagined I'd spend as long as I did at Gigg Lane. I certainly won't be that long at Rotherham!

"The First Division is the level to be playing at, I had two years of it and thoroughly enjoyed it, you raise your game against better side and players.

"I know that was what Chris Swailes thought as well, he had more offers to move than me and gave up the chance of better money with Second Division teams to play in Division One. "You only have to look at the fixtures and the players you are up against. I'm 31 but still want to improve my game until it's no longer possible and the only way to do that is by turning out against the best players you can."

Daws admits that all the friends he has made in the game are, and were, teammates of his at Bury and he's always enjoyed a great relationship with all four managers he played under over the nine years, and of course, the chairman.

"I just hope from Bury's point of view that the financial situation is sorted out and that the manager and chairman are given the opportunity to make a go of it next season," he declared.

"Even though Chris and I have left there are still a good bunch of lads there with experience and a great crop of kids coming through which can only be great for the club.

"If Andy Preece is given the backing he has the makings of a good manager, hopefully he'll be able to continue his good work and maybe Terry will get a bit of peace and quiet for a change!"