Davies expects frosty reception

Villa defender expects Baggies supporters to hold a grudge

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 4th July 2008

aston villa curtis davies

Davies: Expects hot reception

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Curtis Davies admits that he is braced for an 'interesting reception' when he returns to West Brom next season.

The centre-half completed a permanent switch to neighbours Aston Villa on Thursday after a season on loan from the Hawthorns, and is well aware of the tension that exists between the two clubs.

He received an early warning of what to expect when he was booed by Albion fans during a friendly last summer.

Davies is expecting more of the same when he goes back to the Hawthorns with his new club next year, but is convinced that moving will help him to become a better player.

Expected

"The Albion fans booed me in a friendly but that is expected, with the way things are portrayed to fans being different to what the reality is," Davies said.

"I wanted to leave because of my ambitions and because I left on the last day of the transfer window, it seems a bit as if I was hung out to dry.

"It was one of those things. I know they were booing me at the start of that friendly game but then they tried to clap me off the pitch. It shows fans can change their minds very quickly.

"The main thing for me is I'm at the club where I want to be and I just need to concentrate on my football now and press on - but it will be an interesting reception at the Hawthorns!"

Regret

Davies added: "I hold no regrets and it has turned out well for both sides.

"I hope they don't regret me going because at the end of the day they have got a good fee for me and they are back in the Premier League anyway.

"They can use the fee from me to buy more players. I am happy for Albion that they have gone back up and next season it will be interesting to see how they get on."

Davies is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles he suffered against Arsenal in March, but is back in training and is hoping to make a return to first-team action in September.