Laursen retirement reminds Aston Villa's Barry of savouring every playing moment

May 19 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Post

“You could tell he was very emotional and very upset but I told him all the lads wished him well for the future. I told him he has had a great career and that he should get his feet up now and enjoy the rest of his life. This sort of news makes you appreciate playing football.

“When something like this happens, it just reinforces the need to give 100 per cent every time you step out on to that pitch. You have to respect the game because you never know when your career is going to end.”

Meanwhile, Villa defender Curtis Davies has expressed his sympathy to former club West Bromwich Albion following their relegation to the Championship. Davies left The Hawthorns under a cloud after angling for a move two summers ago but still has a soft spot for Tony Mowbray’s Baggies.

With Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers joining Villa in the Premier League, Davies is disappointed that Albion could not complete a West Midlands quartet in the top flight.

“We’re going to be facing both Blues and Wolves next season in the Premier League,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of Villa fans would say they would’ve been delighted for our biggest rivals to stay in the Championship but, deep down, a lot want them up for the derby games. With Mick McCarthy’s side up as well, it makes for some cracking clashes. I’m gutted for the Baggies. They play the right football for this division but sometimes you need to win ugly.”