Rams-target Davies torn between love for Notts and personal ambition
BEN Davies is torn between his love for Notts County and his ambition to play on a greater stage, which would be immediately fulfilled by leaving Meadow Lane to join Derby County in the Championship.
Davies sat down with his family on his return from the Magpies' goalless draw at Southampton, and will seek talks with the Notts manager Paul Ince, the club's chairman Ray Trew and chief executive Jim Rodwell to discuss his future early this week.
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Ben Davies
Derby have had an opening bid of £250,000 for Davies rejected by the Magpies board, but are entirely expected to make an improved bid for the 29-year-old midfielder, who is highly valued at Meadow Lane.
Davies knows any decision is out of his hands unless the Rams meet Notts' asking price, and said: "I'm trying to stay focused on my football, which is easy when I'm among the rest of the lads.
"I'm a Notts County player at the minute and while I am I will keep my head down and keep giving everything I can.
"I don't really know where I stand. I know a bid went in at the end of last week, but I had the Southampton game to focus on at the time.
"I don't really know what's going on behind the scenes, but maybe I'll know more in the next 24 hours. It's in the hands of Ray, Jim and the gaffer I suppose.
"I've sat down with my family, and I will have to see the gaffer and Jim and see what's happening because I'm in the dark.
"It might be out of my hands."
Davies has been one of the Magpies' best players since moving to Meadow Lane before the start of last season, and scored a career-record 15 league goals to help them win the League Two title.
He has also netted eight times this campaign, playing in League One for the first time in his career.
Derby first attempted to sign him in August, but had a bid rejected by Notts.
"It's obviously flattering they are interested in me," said Davies.
"It's a tough one. I love it here, and I'm very happy. It's the happiest I have ever been at a club. At the same time, every footballer wants to better themselves, and play at a higher level. I think while Paul Ince remains at the club there is no reason why Notts can't do that.
"If you get a chance to go higher in any walk of life it does turn your head. But like I said I love it at Notts, I'm happy here."
7 Comments
by incy wincy, space
Monday, January 17 2011, 1:23PM
“Forest r a seling club for god sake pooflop,they have always sold every decent player they ever had thats y a big club like florest r in the championship,god ur such a idiot, ur supposed 2 no the facts about ur own club?unless ur a secret pie.”
by mickydooflop, mistysideofthetrent
Monday, January 17 2011, 12:52PM
“eh eh eh eh eh thats It blame the nep! the fact Is he has to look after his future like you & I do! the guy Is going to go to a bigger - not better club & along with that Is a bigger wage packet!
Good luck to the guy, Its not his fault that Nutts are a selling club! as Ive stated recently this Is only the start, Incey Wincey wont hang around If every team he tries to build Is ravaged In Its Infancy by bigger clubs stalking their player's!
This ofcourse would not be happenning In the stewardship of Mr Doughty, he would tell Dierby where to get off! but Mr Shrew has no clout he has to balance the books, the county council balances ours! eh eh eh eh oh oh oh oh
In "KING BILLY" I trust! U REDS! U REDS!”
by spiderman, caught in web
Monday, January 17 2011, 12:23PM
“well its all down to his agent,would be sad if he does go to derby,the money from cup runs should be used to give hom his worth”
by IaBridg4d_Pie_, WEST BRIDGFORD.
Monday, January 17 2011, 9:48AM
“Oh Dear hear we go again its time to help Derby secure the signing of Ben Davis. Is there nothing happening to write about at the City Ground.
Ray Trew says Ben is not going any where, you should be interviewing him not Nigel Clough.
Do try & get up to speed E.P.”
by IaBridg4d_Pie_, WEST BRIDGFORD.
Monday, January 17 2011, 9:48AM
“Oh Dear hear we go again its time to help Derby secure the signing of Ben Davis. Is there nothing happening to write about at the City Ground.
Ray Trew says Ben is not going any where, you should be interviewing him not Nigel Clough.
Do try & get up to speed E.P.”
by IaBridg4d_Pie_, WEST BRIDGFORD.
Monday, January 17 2011, 9:47AM
“Oh Dear hear we go again its time to help Derby secure the signing of Ben Davis. Is there nothing happening to write about at the City Ground.
Ray Trew says Ben is not going any where, you should be interviewing him not Nigel Clough.
Do try & get up to speed E.P.”
by Bridg4d_Pie_, West Bridgford
Monday, January 17 2011, 9:39AM
“Good Owde Evening Post, nothing happening at Rushclffe Rovers so we will help he Rams secure the signing of Beb Davis from The Pies.
Just aquestion for you gents at The Post who writes your scripts is it Micky- Cow-Pat by any chance.
In most Pie Supporters eyes its about time you got up to speed Scoop.
YOU PIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE'SSSSs”