I'll always be a Claret

The Clarets' team and club captain received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the second half against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park after picking up a groin strain.

The 478-strong Burnley following chanted "You'll always be a Claret" as he left the field on Sunday.

And Davis said: "That's just how I feel.

"Burnley has been a massive part of my life. I've been here for nine years altogether and I've always considered it a special club.

"Despite being at Southampton for five years, Burnley is the one club I will be looking back on my career and saying, that was my club."

The 34-year-old was one of 13 players to be released by manager Stan Ternent last week, ending a nine-year association with Burnley in which time he has been a Division Four championship winner and led Burnley to two promotions from the Second Division.

He was first signed by Frank Casper for £60,000 from Southampton in August 1991 before being sold by Jimmy Mullen for a record £750,000 to Luton Town in 1995.

He returned to Turf Moor for the same fee in late December 1998 after being snapped up by Ternent.

And Davis admitted his final game in a claret and blue shirt was an emotional occasion.

"It's hard to put into words. It was strange really," he said.

"I didn't know what to expect, but I got a good reception from the supporters before the game, at half-time, when I came off in the second half and then at the end of the game.

"It was an emotional day for myself and a number of others as well."

And Davis revealed he battled through the pain barrier after picking up a groin strain early in the first half.

"I pulled up with it after about 10 minutes but I carried on for as long as I could before being brought off," he said.

"It was a strange atmosphere to play in but the supporters who were there made their feelings known and that was very much appreciated. They were brilliant.

"The players came up to me afterwards and said well done and wished me all the best.

"But we all went round to each other and said well done for the season because it's been a long, hard season for everyone."

Davis, who has made 375 appearances for Burnley, plus nine as a loan player, scoring 48 goals, added: "Hopefully I'll keep in touch with the lads, although many are moving on themselves.

"I'd like to wish them and the club all the best for the future."