Birmingham City captain Liam Ridgewell admits he can't explain how he has managed to stay in favour with both Blues fans and his former supporters at Aston Villa.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "I've tried really hard to go about my business, do things quietly, and give as much respect as I could to both clubs.

"I've not really met any fans to get feedback because I've kept myself to myself and stayed in with my missus and little one. We've stuck together and not listened to the radio or read anything.

"You hear stories about what some players go through when they move clubs from one part of the country to another, never mind across the city, and you wouldn't wish that on anyone.

"I'd like to think Villa fans saw that I tried week in and week out and put my heart on my sleeve for them in every game I played. I'm doing the same for Birmingham now and I hope I'm getting the same respect from the supporters here.

"I was so lucky that Martin O'Neill helped me leave Villa on good terms. They understood my situation and that the move was good for both parties.

"Villa could have made me out to be the bad guy but they didn't and I was so glad they were like that.

"I needed to move for football reasons, to go somewhere I could play regularly, and I think everybody accepted that."