Former Portsmouth title winner Tom Davies has left Tranmere Rovers after four seasons, with the 33-year-old defender failing to secure a contract renewal despite captaining the side.
Davies, who claimed the League Two crown with Pompey under Paul Cook, departs Prenton Park having made 148 appearances for Rovers whilst serving as club captain.
The experienced centre-back featured in 31 League Two fixtures during 2024-25 as Tranmere concluded the campaign in 20th position under interim boss Andy Crosby, who has since been appointed permanently.
Davies boasts the remarkable achievement of securing consecutive League Two promotions earlier in his career – first with Portsmouth, then subsequently with Coventry City.
Portsmouth glory under Cook
Cook brought Davies to Fratton Park from Accrington Stanley in July 2016, with the defender playing a crucial role in their title triumph during his debut season.
The former Manchester United academy graduate made 15 appearances in that memorable 2016-17 campaign, initially forming a defensive partnership with Christian Burgess whilst Matt Clarke recovered from a persistent groin problem.
Davies started 10 of Portsmouth’s opening 20 fixtures across all competitions as the Blues established themselves amongst the automatic promotion contenders.
However, his opportunities became limited from November 2016 when Clarke regained full fitness and returned to regular first-team action, missing just one match for the remainder of the season.
Despite reduced playing time as the Burgess-Clarke partnership flourished, Davies contributed to a back three formation during March 2017’s trip to Stevenage, though Portsmouth suffered a 3-0 defeat in their only loss during the final 12 matches.
When Burgess received a red card in that encounter, Davies retained his place for the subsequent 2-1 victory at Newport County as Cook reverted to a four-man defence.
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Coventry switch under Jackett
Portsmouth ultimately secured the League Two title with a commanding 6-1 triumph over Cheltenham, topping the table for the campaign’s final 32 minutes, though Davies was omitted from the squad.
Following Kenny Jackett’s appointment as manager in June 2017, Davies found himself named amongst the substitutes for the opening five League One fixtures without featuring.
His final Blues appearance came in a Checkatrade Trophy encounter against Fulham Under-21s, partnering Jack Whatmough in central defence for a 3-3 draw at Fratton Park – his 16th and last outing in Portsmouth colours.
Coventry secured Davies’ services for an undisclosed fee in August 2017, where he reunited with former Pompey captain Michael Doyle and helped the Sky Blues achieve promotion through the League Two play-offs that same season.
