Blues keeper Maik Taylor has been explaining his decision to sign a new two year deal.

The 36-year-old stopper had been courted by Liverpool as back up to Pepe Reina when his previous deal ended, but the opportunity to remain as Blues' number one was too difficult for the Northern Ireland to resist.

"With an offer on the table from the club, it was always going to be the case that I would stay really," said Taylor.

"It was flattering that Liverpool showed a lot of interest and of course I gave it some serious consideration.

"Liverpool could offer the Champions League and everything else, but it would have been a situation as a number two, a year's contract as well.

"Scott Carson has gone back there now as well.

"There was talk of him going to Villa after his loan, but that has not materialised.

"I still have a big desire to play and, as long as I keep my form and fitness, that's more likely here."

Like everybody else associated with the club, Taylor was bitterly disappointed to see Blues drop out of the top flight, but he remains confident that boss Alex McLeish will put together a squad capable of making an immediate return to the top flight

"I enjoy playing for Birmingham and although obviously it was tremendously disappointing to get relegated, I am really optimistic about the future and looking forward to the new season," added Taylor.

"Obviously it was very disappointing to be relegated.

"I really thought we were going to be okay, and in the end things just didn't quite happen for us.

"We're going into an extremely difficult division, but definitely we will be up for the challenge and I'm sure we won't be far away.

"I think the manager will put together a very good squad.

"We have lost a couple of players, which happens, but we still have quality and I'm sure he will do things here and there to improve us."