One to Watch – Ben Davies

Experienced midfielder Ben Davies has been pinpointed by Vital QPR as the One to Watch as the Rs welcome Derby County to Loftus Road on Monday night.

Name: Ben Davies

Date of Birth: 27/5/1981

Former Clubs: Walsall, Kidderminster Harriers, Chester City, Shrewsbury Town, Notts County

Appearances (Goals): 357 (67)

Ben Davies is finally getting a chance to prove his worth at a higher level, having spent several successful seasons in the English lower divisions. Possessing a deadly set piece delivery and wealth of attacking talent, the Rs players will have to be on the lookout for an in-form Davies if they want to push themselves ever closer to promotion.

The 29 year old started his career at Walsall however he failed to make an appearance The Saddlers and spent a short spell at Kidderminster Harriers before moving to Chester City in 2002. He spent four years with City and helped them to the Nationwide Conference title in 2004, making over 150 league appearances.

Davies joined Shrewsbury Town two days before turning 25, making his club debut in the 2006/07 opener against Mansfield Town. He spent 3 successful years at Shrewsbury where he made 127 appearances and scored 31 goals, in a period of mixed fortunes where he became club captain but had an unsuccessful time in the playoffs for the club.

Davies made the switch to Notts County in the summer of 2009. He had a successful first season at Meadow Lane, playing an integral part in them winning League 2. 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 the PFA Team of the Year.

It was this impressive form that enhanced the midfielder’s reputation and sparked an interest from a number of clubs, namely Nigel Clough’s Derby. The former Burton manager courted Davies for several months having numerous bids turned down, before eventually getting his man in January 2011 for a fee of £350 000. Davies scored a total of 20 goals in 67 appearances for Notts County and he will be hoping to continue a blossoming career in the Championship.