After being out of action for the whole of the 2012/13 season with a knee injury, an unsuccessful series of operations and one-on-one sessions with the medical staff at Blues have forced Carr to make the decision to call time on his career.
As we all know it’s not the first time the former club captain made the call to quit the game. Back in 2008 after he was released from Newcastle United and unable to find a club that would sign him, Carr announced his retirement from football. But less than a year later in February 2009, Blues took the leap and offered him an initial one month contract after a short trial with the club.
The powerful defender impressed then manager Alex McLeish and was rewarded with a contract which took him until the end of the 2009/10 season, where he was an integral part of a side that gained promotion to the Premier League.
Things just got better for Carr, being named club captain the right-back lead his side on a fantastic run, culminating in a ninth place finish – the highest Blues have ever finished in England’s top flight and a great achievement for a newly promoted club.
The following season saw the day the club will never forget; the Carling Cup victory over Arsenal, a game in which Carr excelled himself, and proved to be a true leader – as if we didn’t have enough proof already.
Although Blues couldn’t manage to stave off relegation that season, Carr’s achievements cannot be overshadowed by that feat. In his four and a half years in the team he has allowed himself to become a club legend. He is a man we have missed since he was sidelined last summer, and a figure that epitomizes the club’s passion and belief.
His blazing runs down the flank, his infamous 'wave' to the Villa fans, his match winning tackles and clearances: Carr is a model professional who gave his all to the club and I can only thank him for what he has achieved in his time here, and the new heights he took the club to.
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