Davies loving life at Pompey

BEN DAVIES promised he’ll continue to embrace his emerging cult status at Pompey.
Ben Davies. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Davies. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ben Davies. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Blues right-back revealed he’s never looked forward to football more than he currently is at Fratton Park.

And Davies has vowed to keep up his marauding ways as he revels in the attacking freedom afforded him by Paul Cook.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The 34-year-old has put a back problem to one side to deliver an ever-present league campaign to date.

That has seen him produce a string of whole-hearted and committed attacking performances which have endeared him to Pompey supporters.

The former Sheffield United and Derby man told how he feels the move to the Blues has invigorated him.

He’ll be looking to continue some strong form against Barnet on Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Davies explained the prospect of doing that in front of the Fratton faithful is something he has never looked forward to so much.

Davies said: ‘When you play for Portsmouth and put on a Portsmouth shirt you have to give everything you’ve got.

‘It’s been a pleasure being here, and I’ve never looked forward to playing games as much as I have at Fratton Park.

‘Playing in front of the Portsmouth fans who really get behind you and are positive is a joy really.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘When you turn up here you have to give everything you’ve got – and that’s one thing I will do.

‘I’ve been lucky enough to play in front of big clubs and big crowds. It’s something I thrive on.

‘There’s not been too much to be optimistic about over the last few years and I’m desperate to give the fans something they deserve now.

‘I will always give everything I’ve got. That’s something you have to do and I will do.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘When things aren’t going your way that’s something you can do still and I’ll always be that way.’

Davies explained he is adapting to the demands of his right-back position under Cook.

Former boss Nigel Clough asked the versatile player to do more of a sitting job there at Sheffield United last season. But now the emphasis is on getting forward from that position – something Davies is happy to do.

Davies said: ‘I’m enjoying it. I’m getting used to the way the gaffer wants to play.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Under Nigel Clough it was a bit more like I was a right-back, so I had to stay.

‘But here I’m encouraged to get forward and get the crosses in, which is enjoyable.

‘I’m liking it though, so far and long may it continue.

‘I’ve been a right-back for the last two or three years at Derby and Sheffield United.

‘The way we play it’s more as a wing-back anyway with getting forward and getting the crosses in.

‘Crossing is a big thing in my game so I like to get forward and put them in.’