"We Want To Win Trophies" | Davey Outlines Leicestershire Goals

A week into life at his new home, Josh Davey says he already feels like part of the furniture at Leicestershire. Still in the process of upping sticks from Somerset, it’s a move he’s hoping culminates in further silverware.

“It's a really exciting time to be joining the Club,” he says after his latest morning of winter testing. “Being champions, there’s still a real buzz around the group. The results last season spoke volumes about the developments the Club has made, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

“Hopefully I can help to establish Leicestershire in the first division and then look to push for some silverware. Ultimately, that's what we want to do - win trophies - and I’m really looking forward to being part of that effort.”

Twice a Vitality Blast champion and once a One Day Cup winner during his 12-season stay with Somerset, Davey’s mantelpiece is already well adorned with medals. Such euphoria is a sensation he’s eager to replicate with the Foxes.

“Winning trophies is a fantastic feeling. I think that's what all cricketers play for, to get that buzz. I know the lads here tasted that success with the One-Day win and the Division Two title this year. It’s clear there’s a hunger for more.

“Those days, especially going to Finals Day, is the highlight of the calendar year. It's a great experience and an incredible atmosphere, so I'd love to get Leicestershire there. As a squad, we know we can keep pushing across all formats for silverware.”

A 2K time trial and a raft of arduous gym testing sessions are far from pleasant housewarming presents upon his arrival in the East Midlands, but Davey knows the depth of Leicestershire’s bowling attack means the heavy lifting should be limited to his gym work.

“There’s a lot of talented guys in the squad, which is amazing. I think you definitely need that strength and depth when you're playing Division One cricket, plus competition for places drives standards up. Hopefully, I can add to that.”

A seasoned campaigner, the 35-year-old will add further experience to an attack boasting the likes of Ian Holland, Ben Green and South African star, Keshav Maharaj. But it’s the quality of Leicestershire’s young prodigies which excites Davey most.

“I look at players like Rehan Ahmed with the way he took his game to another level last year, that was fantastic to see. Josh Hull, he's also had higher honours, so you can see that his potential is being recognised already.

“Alex Green got those three five-fers in the One Day Cup, he's obviously got bags of potential too. That crop of youngsters, I think they're only going to get better, which adds even more strength to our squad. It’ll be fun to play alongside those guys.”

As keen as ever to develop his own game, the Aberdeen-born cricketer believes the setup at Uptonsteel Grace Road is the ideal environment to grow his repertoire. Particularly as he’ll be afforded the opportunity to link up with former teammate-turned-tutor, Alfonso Thomas.

“Looking at the journey Leicestershire has been on in the past few years, it’s definitely a club with an upward curve. I spoke to Fons [Alfonso Thomas] and Claude [Henderson] before I signed, and it was clear they shared a vision for taking the club forward. It’s going be great to play my part in that.

“I loved playing with Fons, so it’s good to continue that relationship with the wealth of knowledge and experience he possesses. I have aspirations to continue playing all formats, probably in roles similar to what he did, so learning from someone who was the best will be great for me. I can’t wait to work under him.”

The Somerset connection to sell the Leicestershire vision only deepened with friend and Taunton teammate Ben Green making the same switch this winter. With the likes of Lewis Goldsworthy and Josh Thomas also sampling the Foxes’ changing room through loan switches in recent summers, Davey “ a one-time Leicestershire loanee himself “ had plenty of endorsements.

“They all came back saying they loved their time here, which obviously helped steer my decision. I did a one-game loan in 2023, where I met a lot of the guys. I liked the environment then, and I think once you play for someone, you always keep your eye out for their results because you know the players.”

Davey’s sole Leicestershire appearance came at New Road in May 2023, taking six wickets in a County Championship clash against Worcestershire. “Even though it was only one game, I build good bonds. You could see back then that something special was building and now that’s come to fruition.

“It’s shaped into a nice team since. There’s a good blend of characters who enjoy each other’s company and play for one another. I can add a touch of experience that I've learned over the last 15 years, especially of Division One cricket, and hopefully help them to keep building.”

Quizzed about the qualities he’ll add to his new county, Davey hones in on his vast experiences of elite level cricket and his reliability as a cricketer.

“I think throughout my career I've prided myself on consistent performance and being able to produce consistent results, both with bat and ball. I’ve had great experiences of playing all over the world with Scotland, including at World Cups. Those opportunities have helped drive my game forward.

“I played all three formats for Somerset for the last five or six years quite consistently, so it’s a case of bringing as much knowledge as I can across each format, really. Leicestershire want to compete at every level and I believe we can become a real a real force in all competitions over the next few years.”

Away from Grace Road, Davey knows his spare time will soon be committed to loading moving vans and completing household DIY. By April, however, he’ll be free to use his cricketing tools to hammer a good length and nail his yorkers. Then, he’ll truly be at home.