Every story has a beginning, middle and end. Newport County left-back Tom Davies, currently straining every sinew in the Exiles’ quest to preserve their cherished Football League status, wants to play his part in writing an uplifting finale at Rodney Parade.
It was all so different for the defender just a couple of years ago. The former Wales Under-21 international was enjoying a high-profile loan spell at Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, playing in front of huge crowds against Rangers and Celtic as Killie secured a fourth-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.
Davies also featured in two Scottish Cup quarter-finals during a campaign that proved a huge learning experience for the young Welshman.
Before that move north of the border, Davies had progressed through the academy ranks at Cardiff City alongside a number of highly regarded young talents including Rubin and Joel Colwill, Eli King, Dylan Lawlor, Ronan Kpakio, Isaak Davies and Cian Ashford.
Still only 22, Davies believes those experiences have given him the belief that Newport can guide themselves to League Two safety.
County begin their crucial final 10-game run this Saturday with a trip to Barnet. A home fixture against league leaders Bromley follows next Tuesday, before a trip to face Walsall four days later.
Davies insists the focus must now be on performances on the pitch.
“The time for talking is done now,” he said.
“You can talk a good game, but it’s about doing it out on the pitch. Every game is massive. We’ve only got 10 games remaining and the squad needs to stick together.
“We had a meeting this week and the last few results would show us around 10th in the form table. We’ve shown what we are capable of. Now it’s about being consistent.”
The Cardiff-born defender has made more than 30 appearances for the Exiles since arriving at Rodney Parade 14 months ago and says representing his local club means a great deal to him.
“Even before I came here I would always look out for Newport’s results,” he admitted.
“I’d always want them to do well. It means a lot to me because I’m local. I really want the club to stay in the Football League.
“I’m really enjoying it here and the Welsh connection is important to me.”
Davies’ contract with County runs until the end of the season, but the defender insists his focus remains firmly on the present.
“My focus is 100 per cent on keeping Newport in the league,” he said.
“I’d love to carry on at the club.”
Davies has never been afraid of new challenges, however, and still reflects fondly on the experience he gained during his time in Scotland.
“It was the first time I had moved away from home,” he recalled.
“It was a long way to go and I couldn’t return home every night. When I did come back it was usually to play for the Wales Under-21s.
“It was a big change for me. I was 19 or 20 and had to grow up quickly. I was making new friends and meeting new people.
“The environment was really good and I joined a very successful team. We beat Celtic and Rangers and I was playing in front of crowds of around 60,000 at Celtic Park and Ibrox. It was very different to the Under-21 football I’d been used to.”
Davies also enjoyed the close-knit environment at Kilmarnock during his spell there.
“You could see the stadium from the house where I lived with four other lads,” he said.
“We were building relationships straight away because we were playing and living together. The club looked after us really well and even sorted flights back home if I was playing for Wales.”
Davies, who earlier in his career also experienced a loan spell in the Cymru Premier with Pontypridd United, believes the competitive nature of League Two means County are capable of beating anyone on their day.
“In League Two anyone can beat anyone,” he said.
“We recently played Milton Keynes Dons and could easily have beaten them. We are capable of winning any game, even against teams at the top of the table.”
Comfortable in several defensive roles, Davies began his football journey as a central midfielder during his early academy days.
“I grew up in the Cardiff academy as a central midfielder,” he explained.
“When I was around 15 I was quite small compared to the other players, so I moved to left-back just to get more games in the Under-16s. It suited me and I started to learn more about the role.
“As a full-back, positioning is really important. If you’re out of position it can quickly lead to a goal.”
After recovering from a hamstring injury shortly after joining Newport in January 2024, Davies believes regular football has helped his development this season.
“When I first arrived I did my hamstring and was out for about three months,” he said.
“It was difficult because I had never really been injured before. But this season I’ve played around 30 games and it’s been great for my development.
“I feel like I’m learning with every match I play.”
Davies also hopes to add more attacking contributions to his game.
“The next step for me is to add more goals and assists,” he said.
“I know I’m capable of that. I showed it during my spell at Pontypridd when I scored four goals in 10 games. If we can sustain attacks more as a team, I feel I can contribute more in those areas.”
One of Davies’ standout moments in a County shirt came earlier this season when he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Vertu Trophy.
“My long-term goal is to play for Wales at senior level,” he admitted.
“Realistically I probably need to be playing in League One or the Championship to have a chance of that. But the most important thing is focusing on your own game and earning the right to play for your country.”
For now, however, Davies’ focus is firmly on helping Newport secure their League Two status.
“We have 10 cup finals now,” he said.
“We’re all going to get through this together.”
