 Davies playing forShrewsbury Town in 2008 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Benjamin James Davies[1] | ||
| Date of birth | (1981-05-27)27 May 1981 (age 44) | ||
| Place of birth | Birmingham, England | ||
| Position(s) | |||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Grimsby Town (First team coach) | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1995–1999 | Stoke City | ||
| 1999–2000 | Walsall | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2000–2002 | Kidderminster Harriers | 13 | (0) |
| 2002–2006 | Chester City | 155 | (16) |
| 2006–2009 | Shrewsbury Town | 115 | (30) |
| 2009–2011 | Notts County | 67 | (20) |
| 2011–2014 | Derby County | 75 | (6) |
| 2014 | →Sheffield United (loan) | 18 | (3) |
| 2014–2015 | Sheffield United | 14 | (4) |
| 2015–2016 | Portsmouth | 43 | (1) |
| 2016–2018 | Grimsby Town | 59 | (3) |
| 2018–2019 | Boston United | 36 | (8) |
| 2019–2020 | Cleethorpes Town | 22 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | Grimsby Town | 0 | (0) |
| Total | 617 | (91) | |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2020 | Grimsby Town (caretaker) | ||
| 2023 | Grimsby Town (joint-caretaker) | ||
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Benjamin James Davies (born 27 May 1981) is an Englishfootball coach and former professionalplayer who is a first team coach atEFL League Two clubGrimsby Town.
As a player he was as aright back andmidfielder playing between 2000 and 2021. Born inBirmingham, he began his career withWalsall before dropping into theFootball Conference, playing forKidderminster Harriers andChester City. Moving back to theFootball League he had spells withShrewsbury Town,Notts County andDerby County before signing forSheffield United,Portsmouth andGrimsby Town His career continued in non-league with a spells atBoston United andCleethorpes Town. In 2019 he returned to Grimsby as a coach and briefly registered as a player again during 2020–21 season.
Davies began his career with theyouth system atStoke City aged fifteen. He then joinedWalsall in 1999 as part of their youth team. He had spells withKidderminster Harriers andChester City, where he won aFootball Conference championship medal in 2004.[2] During his time at the Deva, he was made club captain.
Davies joinedShrewsbury Town two days before turning 25, making his club debut in the2006–07 opener againstMansfield Town, which finished 2–2.[3] He scored in Shrewsbury's next three matches, going on to net a total of 12 times over the course of the season.[4]
After Davies helped Shrewsbury to seventh position in the league, he suffered an injury in the play-off semi-final againstMK Dons,[5] which meant that he missed the2007 Football League Two play-off final,[6] and was expected miss to the first half of the2007–08 season.[7] Davies recovered faster than expected from his Achilles tendon injury, returning for the first team in late November.[8] He played an instrumental role in Shrewsbury's return to winning ways, scoring a stunning free kick and an excellent driven goal in a 4–0 win againstDagenham and Redbridge[9] and also scoring away againstAccrington Stanley.[10] FollowingStewart Drummond's departure in the January 2008 transfer window, Davies was installed as Shrewsbury's clubcaptain.
He underwent a double hernia operation in November 2008, which kept him out for a month.[11] Having missed the 2007 final, Davies played the2009 League Two play-off final, which Shrewsbury lost.[12] One of several key players out of contract at the end of the season, Shrewsbury did offer Davies a contract extension, however, Notts County offered him a deal which he felt gave him a greater chance at achieving his ambition to play at a higher level. As a result, Davies left Shrewsbury to join County.[13]
Davies had a successful first season atLeague Two clubNotts County during their2009–10 campaign, playing an integral part in them winning the league.[14] He became the highest scoring midfielder in a single season in County's history as he scored 16 goals, alongside 20 assists, and won several awards, including Supporters player of the year, club player of the year and goal of the season, as well as being named in thePFA Team of the year.[15]
His form was such that in August 2010 he was subject to overtures from Championship clubDerby County, with Derby bossNigel Clough leaving a 2–1 defeat atCoventry City 5 minutes early left to watch the player.[16] Davies remained at County however, and in his first season atLeague One level hit 5 goals in 22 games, including two strikes in a 3–2 victory atPeterborough United, as well as numerous assist.[17] The form saw Derby retain their interest into the January 2011 transfer window, lodging several bids which were rejected,[18][19] Davies desire to playChampionship football saw him hand in a transfer request, despite proclaiming "I absolutely love it here, I'm the happiest I have ever been in my career."[20] Finally, a bid from Derby in the region of £350k was accepted by County and the player completed a move on 20 January 2011, signing a2+1⁄2-year deal to run until July 2013.[21]
Davies made his fullDerby County debut on 22 January 2011 in a 1–0 home defeat tofierce rivalsNottingham Forest.[22] Joining the club in a run of form which had seen just one win from their previous nine fixtures, Davies had to wait until his seventh appearance before tasting a victory at his new club; a 1–0 victory at relegation rivalsSheffield United. As the club itself struggled, so did Davies with the step up and, after starting in a 3–1 home defeat toDoncaster Rovers, Davies was dropped to the bench. Davies later admitted that he deserved to be dropped; "I'm not one to hide and my performances weren't good enough – I know that. I hold my hands up. I couldn't go knocking the manager's door down saying I deserved to be in the team because, based on my performances, I didn't."[23] Davies was eventually recalled to the starting line-up in April 2011, hitting the winner in a 2–1 victory overLeeds United, with an "unstoppable" 20-yard volley.[24] Despite this, Davies was unable to hold down a regular place for the remainder of the season.
After playing an active role in Derby's pre-season fixtures,[25][26] Davies found himself in the first team for the start of the2011–12 season, playing every minute as Derby won their opening four fixtures for the first time in 106-years to find themselves in 2nd place in the early season table.[27] The fourth victory, 3–0 overDoncaster Rovers, saw Davies open his account for the season as well as provide assists for the other two goals.[27] Davies was rewarded with a place in the Championship Team of the Week,[28] something he repeated following his performance in a 3–0 win overMillwall, a game in which he created two of Derby's three goals.[29] The form of Davies dropped during November he was dropped from the starting 11 at the start of December, making only three substitute appearances until the start of March 2012, making an immediate impact as he set up a headed goal forSteve Davies within 2 minutes of coming on.[30] With Davies restored to the starting eleven, Derby managerNigel Clough urged Davies take advantage of the injury ofJamie Ward, stating the quality Davies can offer from set pieces and crosses.[31] Davies was eventually credited with 11 assists during the2011–12 season, 10 in the league and 1 in theLeague Cup.
In2012–13, Davies lost his place as a regular member of the matchday squad and was restricted to limited substitute appearances and games as an overage player in Derby's under-21 team. Despite this Davies scored his first goal in 15 months in a 3–1 win againstLeeds United Davies scoring in the stoppage time after being introduced in the 82nd minute of the game.[32] Davies hoped this goal help regain his place in starting line up at Derby after he turned down several loan moves due to personal issues after his ten-month-old son Evan had health issues and had an eye operation.[33] Davies began to feature more regularly for County after the turn of the year, and after impressing manager Nigel Clough with his performances in March and April, Davies was offered a new one-year contract at the end of April.[34]
2013–14 saw Davies restricted to theLeague Cup and two substitute appearances in the opening stages of the season. After the sacking ofNigel Clough at the end of September, Davies appeared just twice more as a substitute and following an 89th-minute substitute in a 3–0 win overSheffield Wednesday on 9 November 2013 he disappeared from the first team picture completely.[35]
Davies eventually linked up with former manager Clough in February 2014 when he signed forSheffield United on loan until the end of the season.[36] With United struggling with injuries, Davies was initially employed as a left-back and scored his first goal for the club from a free kick in a 2–0 home victory overPeterborough United at the start of March.[37] Davies played regularly for United for the remainder of the season, appearing in a number of positions, and finished the campaign having made 20 appearances for the Blades and scored three goals.[38] With his deal at Derby due to expire, United offered Davies a permanent contract in the summer of 2014,[39] a deal which he duly signed the following month.[40]
Davies was released when his contract expired at the end of the2014–15 season.[41]
Following a pre-season trial Davies signed a one-year deal withPortsmouth on 6 August 2015.[42] He scored his first goal for Portsmouth in a 6–0 win overYork City on 24 November 2015.[43] His consistent performances led to Davies being awarded six different player-of-the-season trophies from supporter groups, the biggest haul of any player and finished runner-up toMichael Doyle who wonThe News/Sports Mail Player of the Season award.[44][45]
Davies left Portsmouth come the end of the2015–16 season, this was due to both parties failing to agree terms, However he was keen for a two-year contract and an increase in salary.[45]
On 29 June 2016, Davies signed a one-year contract with newly promotedLeague Two clubGrimsby Town on a free transfer.[46] He scored on his debut againstMorecambe F.C. on Saturday 6 August 2016 with a free-kick to seal Grimsby's 2–0 win.[47] Davies picked up a calf injury on 8 October in a 0–0 draw atExeter City,[48] this led to a two-month spell on the sidelines.[49]
Following the end of2016–17, during which he made 25 league appearances and scored one goal,[50] Davies agreed a new one-year contract.[51] Davies turned down offers from other clubs down south to stay at Grimsby.[52] He was released by Grimsby at the end of the 2017–18 season.[53]
On 24 August 2018, Davies joinedNational League North clubBoston United.[54]
On 20 July 2019 it was confirmed that Davies had joinedCleethorpes Town.[55]
On 18 November 2019,Grimsby Town announced that Davies would be assisting interim manager,Anthony Limbrick and Dave Moore on a temporary basis.[56] Davies already worked for the club as an academy coach alongside his playing career atCleethorpes Town. Davies eventually returned to Grimsby permanently and became First Team coach and U23 Manager under new managerIan Holloway. In January 2020, Holloway hinted that Davies would be offered a playing contract as well,[57] although this wasn't made official until he was handed a squad number for the start of the 2020–21 season.[58]
Davies was placed in temporary charge of the Mariners whenIan Holloway resigned his position on 23 December 2020. In his managerial debut, Grimsby were beaten 3–1 atMorecambe.[59] In his second and final game as caretaker manager on 29 December 2020, The Mariners drew 0–0 withOldham Athletic.[60] Davies reverted to his previous coaching role the following day as Grimsby appointedPaul Hurst as the new first team manager.[61]
On 29 October 2023, Davies andShaun Pearson were appointed joint-caretaker managers following the dismissal of Paul Hurst and assistant managerChris Doig.[62]
On 27 November 2023 it was announced thatDavid Artell was to take over as the next permanent Grimsby manager and it was also announced that Davies would remain at the club as first team coach.[63]
Born inBirmingham, Davies supportedAston Villa as a child.[37]
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Kidderminster Harriers | 2000–01[64] | Third Division | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| 2001–02[65] | Third Division | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |
| Total | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | ||
| Chester City | 2002–03[66] | Football Conference | 31 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 2 |
| 2003–04[67] | Football Conference | 35 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 5 | |
| 2004–05[68] | League Two | 44 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[a] | 0 | 49 | 2 | |
| 2005–06[69] | League Two | 45 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1[a] | 0 | 51 | 8 | |
| Total | 155 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 170 | 17 | ||
| Shrewsbury Town | 2006–07[70] | League Two | 43 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5[b] | 0 | 51 | 12 |
| 2007–08[71] | League Two | 27 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 6 | |
| 2008–09[72] | League Two | 45 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3[a] | 1 | 49 | 13 | |
| Total | 115 | 30 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 127 | 31 | ||
| Notts County | 2009–10[73] | League Two | 45 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 16 |
| 2010–11[74] | League One | 22 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1[a] | 1 | 29 | 8 | |
| Total | 67 | 20 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 80 | 24 | ||
| Derby County | 2010–11[74] | Championship | 13 | 1 | — | — | — | 13 | 1 | |||
| 2011–12[75] | Championship | 35 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 1 | |
| 2012–13[76] | Championship | 23 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 5 | |
| 2013–14[77] | Championship | 4 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | ||
| Total | 75 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 82 | 7 | ||
| Sheffield United (loan) | 2013–14[77] | League One | 18 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 3 |
| Sheffield United | 2014–15[78] | League One | 14 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1[a] | 0 | 19 | 4 |
| Total | 32 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 7 | ||
| Portsmouth | 2015–16[79] | League Two | 43 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2[c] | 0 | 51 | 1 |
| Total | 43 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 51 | 1 | ||
| Grimsby Town | 2016–17[50] | League Two | 25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 1 |
| 2017–18[80] | League Two | 34 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | 37 | 2 | |
| Total | 59 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 63 | 3 | ||
| Boston United | 2018–19[81] | National League North | 36 | 8 | 0 | 0 | — | 1[e] | 0 | 37 | 8 | |
| Career total | 565 | 91 | 31 | 3 | 21 | 2 | 17 | 2 | 663 | 98 | ||
Chester City
Notts County
Individual
