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End of the Road for Stephen Carr?
News broke on twitter yesterday that Stephen Carr has had to have an operation on his knee, which may rule him out of the remaining eight games this season. With Carr’s contract ending at the end of this season, the question has to be asked – is this the end of the road for Blues’ club captain?
I will readily admit that if Carr doesn’t play again for the club, it will be a loss. Whilst I’m not sure he has been at his talismanic best for Blues this year, I think Carr has been a part of lot of what Blues did right over recent years. His partnership down the right with Seb Larsson was as good as any I’ve seen at Blues down the years and I think it’s fair to say that he was one of the better players in our relegation season last year.
Carr didn’t arrive at Blues with much of a fanfare. I distinctly remember reports of him looking a little overweight when he came to Blues initially to get back into training and I wasn’t expecting a lot when he did sign for us. Blues were in horrendous shape in that part of the pitch at the time, having loaned out our first choice right back Stephen Kelly to Fulham and rookie Jared Wilson to Chesterfield whilst Stuart Parnaby was suffering another injury.
Initially signed for just a month, Carr quickly showed his former class without any of his former injury, and it was no surprise that his contract was firstly renewed until the end of the season, and then for another two years on promotion to the Premier League. Blues had given him a new lease of life in footballing terms; his retirement that is so often talked about actually helping to prolong his career in the long-term by allowing his knee some much-needed rest.
There were rumours of Carr’s discontent in the summer; there was talk that the Irishman wanted to continue playing in the top flight and if we’re honest about it, his performances of the previous two seasons probably gave him the right to expect to be signed by a Premier League team. I’m not sure it’s a consequence of that, but it did seem at first that he wasn’t up to his usual standard; like his head had been turned and that he was playing within himself. The problem with setting such a high standard for yourself with previous performances is that as a player you are expected to maintain that; whilst Carr was playing okay it just wasn’t the Carr of old.
Stephen is the second-highest current appearance maker for Blues with 121 (106 in the league); he was the leader in terms of appearances within the current squad at the start of the season but he has since been overtaken by countryman Keith Fahey. However unlike Keith, Carr has never made an appearance for Blues as a sub which means Carr has more first team starts than anyone else in the current squad.
It’ll be a shame if this is the end but unfortunately time does move on and Blues cannot afford to be sentimental. If it is indeed the end of Carr’s time with us I think all Blues fans should be thankful for all the good memories he’s given us – and Blues need to get cracking with finding some new cover for the right back position for next year.
Tags: Stephen Carr
14 Responses to “End of the Road for Stephen Carr?”
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Stephen Carr has been a massive loss for us this season, but it looks like time has finally caught up with him. He seems to have had niggling injuries all season and when your knees go you know it’s time to hang up your boots.
The sad thing is that if he doesn’t play again this season then we won’t have the chance to give him a proper send off for the four great years he has given us.
I echo, JohnR’s sentiments, Carr has been a great player for us, not only his ability at r/bk, but his leadership on the field,!!. [ Much like Carsley, a few seasons back ],!!.
And lets not forget, he lifted the Cup for us at Wembley, what an occassion that was. He’ll always have a special place in our hearts.
Carr is a legend. End of.
I think stephen carr will go down as one of the finest full backs to have pulled on a blues shirt.
Lets hope he gets the chance to play again this season, if we get to the play offs that gives him a little more time and something to aim for. It would be a nice finale if he got us promoted. k.r.o.
Prior to Carr joining the Blues,I always thought him a good player.For a retired player he did us grand.If,as you mention his Blues time is up,then its a big thank you for his service and leadership.He will never be forgoten by us,just as he will never forget us,lifting the Cup at Wembely for Birmingham City will, im sure forever stay in his memory…….as ours.KRO
in 30 + years of watching Blues, he’s as good right back as i’ve seen, if not the best.
And a special mention to the famous villa wave!! Steve Carr, LEGEND
Kro
Stevie Carr is a legend ..total respect and a massive part of Birmingham City FC.
Steven Carr has been a legend and remain long in our memories. If time has caught up with him and he doesnt play again then i would like to thank for everything he has done for this club. Last summer when everybody else was leaving the club he ramained and stayed loyal. Steven Carr is a blue,is a blue. We hate villa.
Two walks off the Vile Park pitch will forever make him a Bluenose hero- firstly waving appropriately at our friends from Witton and the next year a defiant barrel chested march off that would have done a British Lions forward proud.
It’s been said already but Stevie Carr is an outstanding player, one of the best we’ve had at Blues in any position on the pitch, and ever the professional.
In a way I think the lad would only want to play again if he could offer 100% on the pitch so let’s hope he gets that chance.
KRO!!
Carr has been the best free we’ve ever had. Just wish he could have seen the season through for us.
Huge loss, get well soon SC.
Is that a deliberate pun…….end of the road for Carr??
Best rb we’ve had since Rowett, or even Langan?