Maynard - I had to move

The highly-rated forward linked up with the Hammers during the January transfer window, bringing an end to intense speculation regarding his future.

Maynard claims he made the move in the hope of realising his Premier League dream, with West Ham currently top of the Championship table.

The 25-year-old admits he would rather have been able to make that step up with City, given all they have done for his career, but he makes no apologies for having taken a decision he believes will benefit his career.

Maynard said: "I'm not going to spit my dummy out. I always had a good relationship with the fans and I do regret how things ended.

Massive club

"The fans were great to me during my time with the club - it's just a blow it came to that at the end.

"Every player wants to play at the highest level he can and I'm no different.

"Of course, I'd have loved to have done it with Bristol City, but that did not work out.

"I enjoyed my time at City, but the chance to join a massive club like West Ham, who are destined for the Premier League, was just too good to turn down."