Andrew Davies

Last updated : 17 February 2009 By @pnemad

Andrew John Davies joined Preston from Stoke on a one month emergency loan on 13 February 2008 following injuries to a number of defenders at Preston. He became the 966th player to play for Preston and made his Lilywhite debut the following day in a 1-0 victory at Deepdale against Norwich. A side he almost joined earlier in the week but declined due to the distance from the Potteries to East Anglia.

Davies was born in Stockton-on-Tees in December 1984 and joined Middlesbrough as a thirteen year old; he signed professional terms with October 2002 after impressing in the Under-19s and as captain of the reserve team.

He made his debut on 6 November 2002, in a 3-1 League Cup defeat against Ipswich; his Premier League debut came on 28 January 2003 in a 5-2 defeat at home to Aston Villa. He made nine further appearances during the 2003/04 season before suffering a broken leg in a reserve league game in March 2004

On 12 January 2005 Davies joined QPR on an initial one month loan before extending it by a further two months, making nine appearances in total

On 6 July 2005 he was loaned out again, to Derby. This was initially for a period of six months, although it was later extended to a full season's loan. However, an injury crisis at Middlesbrough prompted them to recall Davies in January 2006. The player had generally impressed during his time at Derby, despite being sent off on three occasions. He had made 23 appearances and scored three goals, including a brace in a 2-0 win at home to Norwich.

On his return to the Riverside he played twelve Premier League matches and helped Middlesbough's journey to the final of the UEFA Cup.

Despite the arrival of Huth and Woodgate Davies had his most productive Premier League season with twenty three appearances in 2006/07, with Gareth Southgate converting Davies to right back from his usual centre half role.

After fifty three appearances Davies joined Southampton on 9 October 2007 on an initial three month loan, the signing was made permanent on 10 January 2008 for £1 million.

He missed the last few matches of the 2007/08 season as a result of a fractured cheek bone incurred in March 2008.

After twenty three appearances for the Saints, Davies returned to the Premier League on 19 August 2008 for newly promoted Stoke for £1 million, signing a four year contract.

Knee injuries delayed his Stoke debut which came on Boxing Day in a 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United. His second appearances came in a defeat at West Ham two days later, before his loan spell with Preston.