Former Portsmouth and Derby favourite Ben Davies 'loving' life as temporary Grimsby boss

That's despite the former Blues full-back stepping into the breach following Ian Holloway’s departure last week and confessing he's 'loving every minute of it' as he takes temporary charge of the Mariners.

Holloway resigned on Wednesday after just under a year in charge of the League Two outfit.

He blamed the ‘inappropriate’ actions of Grimsby's prospective new owners as the main reason for his decision, with Davies asked to fill in as the club search for a new manager.

The 39-year-old's first game in charge was Saturday's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Morecambe – a result which leaves the Blundell Park side third from bottom in the table.

But as he prepares his side for tonight's home game against Oldham, Davies said taking on the role in a full-time capacity was not something currently on his mind.

He told Grimsby Live: ‘I haven’t even thought about it (the job).

‘All I am thinking of is coaching the boys day in, day out for the next game.

‘I have a had a good chat with the lads and they have given their feedback - the general consensus is that things have been ok, but bits of naivety at times and poor defending is costing us at the moment, and we need to cut that out.’

Davies added: ‘I’m loving every minute of it. It’s testing times, but Mooreo (Dave Moore) is helping and I have got Woodsy (Neil Woods) in as well – they are helping out giving their point of view.

‘It is a good experience and good to be involved.

‘They are a good group of lads and the one thing I am concentrating on now is building and getting us away from the bottom of the table.’

Davies joined Pompey in the summer of 2015 from Sheffield United following a trial – penning a one-year deal.

Although he only stayed for one season, he became an instant hit with the fans and featured 51 times as the Blues suffered play-off heartache at Plymouth.

The popular full-back subsequently joined Grimsby in 2016 after new terms on a new Fratton Park deal failed to be reached.

He has played 63 times for the Mariners.

Former boss Paul Hurst is the odds-on favourite to become the new Grimsby manager.

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