A former Derby County fan favourite, who played 175 times for the club, has announced his retirement at the age of 39.
Derby County is returning to the Championship following a two-year absence.
Paul Warne is guiding the Rams into the 2024/25 Championship season, and his team has fared well in the summer transfer market.
So far this summer, the Rams have spent money on midfielders Ebou Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn, as well as signing Ben Osborn and Kayden Jackson on free transfers and loaning Jerry Yates and David Ozoh.
Many expect the Rams to struggle next season. However, Derby County fans may be quietly confident about the club’s chances in the second division.
Derby’s last Championship season was one of the worst in the club’s modern history, with financial difficulties and on-field struggles.
One of the players from that era has announced his retirement from football.
Former Derby County favourite Curtis Davies announces retirement
Curtis Davies, 39, has announced his retirement from football after playing for 21 years.
Davies began his career with Luton Town in 2003, and has subsequently played for West Brom, Aston Villa, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Hull City, Derby County, and, most recently, Cheltenham Town.
The centre-back played with Pride Park from 2017 until 2023, making 175 games and won Player of the Year in 2021/22.
Davies announced his resignation on X with this poignant farewell:
https://twitter.com/TheCurtisDavies/status/1819071475741348241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1819071475741348241%7Ctwgr%5E250d0305b2af0065a2f1af16cd0bfbce9f813a94%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.derbycounty.news%2Fnews%2Fformer-derby-county-favourite-announces-retirement-at-age-39%2F
What next for former Derby County man Curtis Davies
Davies stated at the end of his retirement speech that he will pursue a new job, the nature of which is unknown.
Given his expertise, and the fact that he has already studied for coaching badges, we can expect Davies to stay in football.
And if he moves into coaching, whichever team hires him will be hiring a very experienced leader who has always given his all for Derby County and stayed with the club through some difficult times.
Derby fans will wish him the best of luck in his retirement, and he will be able to reflect on a long and fascinating career for years.
