Stephen Carr - Birmingham City FC captain talks about the new season

Aug 8 2010 by Colin Tattum, Sunday Mercury

Stephen Carr

HE’S been round the block enough times to feel somewhat sheepish when he picked up three trophies in seven days on Blues’ pre-season tour.

Stephen Carr, Blues captain, did join in the spirit of things eventually in Hong Kong and China, hoisting the silverware put up by sponsors and charities at end-of-match presentation ceremonies.

But the grins were a little ironic as Carr, soon to be 34, is well aware that the real stuff begins next Saturday.

That’s when Blues have to start showing that last season was no flash in the pan.

The cups in the Far East were all well and good – and Blues’ tour on the other side of the world helped kickstart Carson Yeung’s plan to increase awareness of the club in huge markets there.

But that’s peripheral stuff to Carr who, as captain, will be leading from the front again at St Andrew’s.

“People didn’t think we’d survive last season,” he said. “It was nice to have proved those critics wrong. Great.

“There were a few players who wanted to prove something and players who were experiencing the Premier League for the first time.

“We have got to now kick on. It’s no good resting on your laurels – and you won’t find anyone at this football club doing that.

“It’s going to be tough, but that’s the challenge.”