ROWETT: I’ve had an unbelievable time at Blues and I wish them all best

Former Blues boss Gary Rowett has spoken for the first time about how the club decided to end his tenure. The 42-year-old admitted the news came as a shock but doesn’t hold any grudges against new owners Trillion Trophy Asia Limited, who appointed Gianfra

“I was shocked by the news. We’d won the previous evening against Ipswich and I was due to go into the ground a little bit later for an FA Youth Cup game.

“But I had a phone call saying I needed to go in for a meeting. I got the news there and then, which in some ways I was quite pleased about because it allowed me to speak to the staff and players.

“I wanted them to hear it from me because I thought that was the dignified way to do it after they worked so hard for me.

“I was told face-to-face. I was told to go down to the ground at 11.30am. I actually had a meeting in Derby at 11am and I said ‘look, I’ve got an important meeting can I not come in later?’ but they were quite adamant. It didn’t really twig at that point. But, in all fairness, they told me in person and I have no complaints. That’s life and that is how it works – when one door shuts, another one opens.’’

“I wasn’t told about Gianfranco Zola. And again that is none of my issue really. I didn’t ask that question either.

“I’ve had an unbelievable time at Birmingham City, the fans, the staff and players. I couldn’t ask for anything more from two years in a job.

“Whatever route the club go down, I wish them all the best. I’ve got no sour grapes about it at all. I was a little bit surprised to hear that sort of announcement so soon afterwards but it’s not really my issue.

“The club have chosen to go down a different route and that is their prerogative. That’s what happens if you buy a football club, you can choose to do whatever you want really and I have no complaints about that.’’

“I had a couple of phone calls with offers the next morning, which was really nice. I really appreciate the amount of support I’ve had from other managers and other people in the game.

“To have so many good people ring me up and see how I am, that what football’s all about.

“When you’re working day in, day out, I’ve been managing now for five or six years, you don’t get chance to review and step back, evaluate what you have done. I’m really looking forward to the next few weeks.’’

“I think having patience will be key. I had one job offer from a mate of mine yesterday who runs a construction business. I said my hat goes off to him but I don’t fancy waking up at 6am in the morning and doing the skivvy job. I had to politely decline that one.

“I’ve already had some offers of going in and watching some Pre- mier League managers work, plus some opportunities abroad to see how clubs work. I’m going to use the time effectively to really be better and learn new things, not just in football but how management works. I’m really looking forward to what the next few weeks and months bring and, of course, having Christmas off with the family will be a benefit.”

“I would look at every job with the same motives I’ve had at Burton and Birmingham.

“I said to the staff ‘we’re going to enjoy it and have fun’. I want players and staff to look forward to driving into work every day. That’s part of the process for me and I won’t feel any differently about it.

“There are certain things you can control, what you do yourself, but you can’t these sort of decisions. I certainly won’t sit at home worrying if I am going to get the sack. My issue is trying to be the best manager I can be and continually improving. I won’t change my attitude, I won’t change any way I think and I see it as another exciting opportunity ahead.’’ “I believe I could manage in the Premier League. I’ve been coaching since I finished playing at Charlton when I was 30, so I’ve spent 12 years coaching different level of teams and working with players.

“For me, that is what it is about. It’s not necessarily about the tactical details, most of the top managers have that anyway, but it’s how you treat people. I’m a big believer that it’s how you try to get into the heads of players. I feel I am ready for any job. It could be Premier League or League Two, it wouldn’t matter to me, whichever would be the most exciting opportunity.’’

“I really appreciate all the messages. I had a really special bond with the Birmingham fans. I had amazing experiences, some amazing away games and the Blues fans were brilliant.

“I can remember 4,000 down at Craven Cottage when we won 4-2, 3,000 at Derby when we scored two goals in the 90th minute. Some brilliant days and I said after my first home game at Birmingham, if that is the only game I manage at Birmingham, it would have been worth it.

“That wasn’t me talking rubbish, it was genuine. It’s been a brilliant experience and I want to thank every one of them.’’