Damien Johnson has spoken of his sadness at leaving Blues after eight years at St. Andrew's.

The 31-year-old joined Championship side Plymouth earlier this week in the hope of playing more regular first team football.

"I just can't say enough about how much I have enjoyed it at Birmingham," Johnson told the Birmingham Mail.

"I've had the best years of my career at the club and it's been hard to say goodbye.

"The managers, coaches, the lads in the teams I've played in and all the punters have been first class with me and I'd like to publicly thank them all.

"I've enjoyed living in the city and I'm going to keep my place here.

"I think I've experienced pretty much everything there has been to experience with the promotions and relegations.

"I know I'm a bit fiery and there have been things I've done I shouldn't have. I hope that's not held against me.

"But that's the way I've always played. I'd like to think I've been committed to the cause and done my bit towards the successes we have had.

"I've got loads of great memories but it was time to move on to a new challenge and the people at Plymouth have been great.

"First and foremost they want me to be in the team and I haven't had that feeling for a couple of years.

"Because of my injuries, I've not been available a lot in that time and new players have come in.

"I wasn't going to be given a new contract at the end of the season and as I wasn't getting game time, there was nothing to be gained from staying.

"I will definitely miss Birmingham and it's sad but from the professional side of things that's football, the way it goes."

Johnson continued: "I've seen a lot of changes at the club.

"I definitely think Alex McLeish has got the right plans in place so Birmingham can have a good future.

"If he gets the backing and the board come up with the figures talked about, then he would use the money very shrewdly."