Birmingham City chairman David Gold is pleased he chose to stay on after their relegation 12 months ago.

"This has been a great year for me," the 72-year-old told the Sunday Mercury.

"Last summer, after relegation, I spoke from the heart. I was in pain. Relegation is the worst experience you could possibly have in football, but if you throw in the abuse we received as well, then it was the worst experience I have ever had.

"I didn't want to be anywhere I wasn't wanted. I left West Ham because I wasn't wanted. I know what it is like.

"For a couple of days afterwards I thought that was the case with Blues. I felt the blame was focused on the Board and it felt very personal at the time.

"I want to fly around the world in my helicopter while I am still young enough to do it, and I could have done that instead, but I recovered from that and I am delighted all the fans can now hold their heads up high again.

"I also became a grandfather for the first time (daughter Jacqueline gave birth to Scarlett Rose in May), and I was also re-appointed as a member of the FA Council."