Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies believes his move from West Brom was part of the motivation for Tony Mowbray to lead the club back to the Premiership last season.

Davies told the Express & Star: "I think that was one of his motivating factors, that he wanted to do it without us. He said to me himself that he wanted to keep me but that if I was to go it would be more of an achievement if he managed to do it without me, Kamara, Koumas and (Nathan) Ellington.

"He has gone and done that and at the same time played some great football.

"Hopefully they will continue doing that next year."