The young defender spent much of the season injured after rupturing his achilles tendon against Arsenal, but gave notice of his promise with a few decent displays.
Making his name at Luton Town, he came through the club's youth system to make his debut, aged 18, at Rushden & Diamonds in November 2003.
Davies gained league action in the second half of the season before becoming a fixture in the team in 2004/05.
Under manager Mike Newell his came improved immeasurably as Luton won the League One title that season. He was named Player of the Season for the division.
He was also named in the Professional Footballers' Association League One Team of the Year.
Attracting the interest of West Bromwich Albion he joined the club with minutes to go before the transfer window closed in August 2005. He cost the Baggies £3million, a club record fee for a defender, and signed a four-year contract.
The central defender's arrival represented a major coup for Baggies boss Bryan Robson with other Premiership clubs including Tottenham and Bolton reportedly showing interest.
But it would not be long before he would play top flight football. After spending three years at the Hawthorns, Davies handed in a transfer request and was eventually given permission to speak to Villa.
Moving on loan for the 2007/08 season, a fee reported to be in the region of £8million was enough to secure his services for the next four years.
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