The 2008/09 season began in July with the Intertoto Cup and ended in May. After a fine first half of the season, form petered out and Villa ultimately finished sixth after looking like qualifying for the Champions League for much of the campaign.

Fatigue played a part in Villa's dramatic slump in form and Davies is aware that, with the Europa League to contend with, next season could be even more tiring.

even better

"I was looking forward to the summer, not so much to be going on holidays and trotting the globe, but just to have a break," he said.

"I'd never been involved in a season as long as the last one. It began in July. I didn't manage to play the Intertoto games but, after that, I played against Hafnarfjordur (an August UEFA Cup qualifier) so it was a very early season.

"We go into another European campaign next year which could potentially be even longer because of the amount of games.

"But we're all looking forward to the new season and I'm sure everyone will be ready for it after the summer break. Hopefully next season can be an even better one for us."