Here we have Ben Davies, a sturdy pillar of a man, on the pitch at least. Born in the land of Yorkshire Puddings and Black Sabbath on 11 August 1995 (now 29 years young), he now defends for Birmingham City, formerly of Rangers, on loan. A lofty chap, he stands at 6 feet (or 1.85m if you prefer those numbers), and he plays with considerable weight behind him at 11 st 11 lb (or 75kg, because the world loves to complicate things). Fans of football robotics have observed him diligently defending in the number 25 jersey.
His career started at Preston North End where he appeared to fancy the idea of being a trainee in 2012. Over the seasons, we grew accustomed to seeing Davies sporadically appear, then ramp up to forty appearances in the season of 2018 - 2019 and yet, in the following years, recede like the tide on a blustery day in Blackpool.
Our dear Davies then embarked on a grand tour across the grassy plains of Britain’s football pitches. From North End, he trotted off to York City on loan, made 44 league appearances, and put himself on the radar of numerologists. A brief stint at Tranmere Rovers saw him return, phoenix-like, to his beloved North End to make but a single league appearance. Such stoicism!
He tarried briefly with Southport, then Newport County, each time catching the return carriage to Preston. In 2016 he had a dalliance with Fleetwood Town, scoring a goal before journeying back to his home ground.
Then, in 2021, Davies experienced what metaphor-loving sports writers might call a 'step up', or less creatively, a clichéd 'big move'. Liverpool, of all places, decided that £1.2m was a reasonable exchange rate for Davies services. Yet alas, fair Merseyside had a change of heart and offered him to Sheffield United on loan where he stubbornly made 22 appearances and scored his familiar one goal.
Turns out, our Davies had a Scottish adventure up his sleeve. In 2022 departed Liverpool for the petty sum of £4m (have they never heard of inflation?) and he ventured to Rangers. After a respectable 27 and then a disappointing eight appearances over two seasons, he decided to pack his bags, leaving the Premiership in fear of his wrath (or so we might dream).
Now, our brave and well-travelled phenom finds himself in Birmingham City, still lighting up the League One while on loan. In the current season of 2024 - 2025, he has already made a whopping three appearances. To top it all off, showing off his prowess, he has started two glorious games for the EFL Trophy 2024 - 2025. We are, as ever, agog at his next moves.
