It seems it took Ben Davies to hand in a transfer request and a fourth offer from the Rams to complete a deal for the midfielder. Nigel Clough finally got his man - but who exactly is Ben Davies?

On RamZone, we always attempt to give our readers a comprehensive overview of any new Derby signing and it is nice to be writing one for a permanent signing rather than a loan.

Ben Davies was born in Birmingham on the 27th May 1981 and started his career with Walsall (0 appearances), Kidderminster Harriers (13 appearances) before a lengthier move to Chester City in 2002, which produced 153 appearance, 16 goals, a Nationwide Conference championship medal in 2004 A midfielder.

In 2006 Davies moved to Shrewsbury Town and went on to become a regular appearing 112 times for the club and scoring an impressive 30 goals. He was made Captain in 2008 and led the club into the 2009 League Two play-off final, which they lost.

Davies declined a contract offer after the loss and instead joined Notts County in the belief they may be the club to help him achieve his goal of playing at a higher level.

In his first season at Notts he played a major part in their clinching promotion to League One; he found the net an impressive 16 times and was named in the PFA team of the year.

This season, Davies set League One on fire by scoring 7 goals by the end of September 2010 and Nigel Clough had made no secret of his interest in the player having attempted to sign him at the start of 10/11.

Finally after three unsuccessful bids after the January transfer window opened, Derby landed the 29-year old after Davies handed in a transfer request and the Rams tabled an improved bid to complete the deal.

Davies leaves behind a disappointed chairman and manager who had hoped to retain the players services. Manager Paul Ince was irate that the Rams were not offering what he considered to be a reasonable amount for his star player.

Ince was interviewed by BBC radio sport as thinking the January transfer window “stinks”.

Ben Davies himself does not seem to agree with his now former manager as when speaking to the DCFC official site, he considered signing for the Rams a "dream move":

"I'm delighted to sign; it has been a drawn out process which has been a bit stressful over the last few weeks. Notts obviously didn't want me to go, but on the flip-side it is an absolutely fantastic move for me.” 

"It is a dream move to come to Derby County and I cannot wait to get started. I had a great time at Notts County and I'm grateful to them for what they've done for me and my career.” 

"As much as I'm sad to leave Notts, I didn't need much convincing to come here because the opportunity to play in front of 25-30,000 every week is only something you can only dream of and when Derby County come knocking on your door it is something you can't turn down.” 

"With Nigel Clough being the manager too, it really wasn't a difficult decision to make. I'm desperate to play in the Championship; I've had a few opportunities before but the move was never right for me. Everything about this move is perfect and it is a chance for me to show I am capable of playing at this level." 

"I have played in big games against Premiership and Championship teams before and done well, so I know I'm capable of playing at this level and I just need to show this is where I belong. It is a big challenge, but one I am looking forward to. I've waited so long for this chance, but I never lost faith and believed I would make it one day.” 

"I'm delighted Nigel Clough has given me this opportunity and I want to repay his faith with good performances, assists and goals. I am obviously recognised as someone that has scored quite a few free-kicks, but I have more to my game as well and I want to show that."

"It is a fantastic match to come in to and I can't imagine a better start to my Derby career than this game. Once I knew there was a chance the deal could be completed in time for the Forest game I was desperate to get it all done so I could be in contention for a place in the team.”

"I am sure the atmosphere will be fantastic and if I'm involved it will be amazing."

Nigel Clough was more than happy to finally complete the transfer when speaking to the DET:

“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to agree a deal with Notts County and bring Ben to Derby County,” said Rams manager Nigel Clough."

“His set pieces are lethal and attract a lot of attention, quite rightly so, but he has plenty more to his game."

“But we have said for some time now we’ve not had a player on our books that can consistently deliver a quality set play and Ben certainly has the ability to do that."

“He is an energetic midfielder, he can make things happen and we’re confident he can make the step up to the Championship, having watched him on several occasions in the last year.”

One thing about Davies is that when confronted with a challenge and a move up in the level he plays at, he has always met it head on.

The other plus is his ability to score a high volume of goals from the midfield while also statistically being involved in high number of goal assists which is nearly as important as scoring yourself.

If he can bring the determination and scoring ability to the Rams, as he did with Shrewsbury and Notts County he will very quickly become a favourite of Derby supporters.

Being thrown into Pride Park during a bitter local clash maybe a bit daunting as the howling masses demand victory. Perhaps not having too much time to think about it is exactly what was required. Just go in hard Benny boy!

On behalf of RamZone and our readers, we wish Ben Davies all the best in a Derby County shirt!

Photo: Action Images

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