So not always a happy ride for sam, felt a section of supporters were not happy, Christ he was on good money and for 15 months of his contract he did not fill Maynards boots. Striker admits to departing Ashton Gate with a heavy heart. Sam Baldock admits it is with a heavy heart that he leaves behind the happiest times of his football career in departing Ashton Gate. The striker, signed from West Ham United in August 2012, scored 36 goals in 93 appearances before his transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion brought to an end a two-year stint in BS3. Baldock, 25, admits life as a City player was not always plain sailing, but will look back on his time at the club with “only fond memories”. “It was a difficult decision (to leave) because it’s all come to an end at a time when I was enjoying my football more than at any other point in my career,” the departing skipper told bcfc.co.uk in an exclusive interview. “Obviously my first season wasn’t the best, but to be made captain and end up with the Golden Boot in my second was fantastic. “I’m very grateful to the manager (Steve Cotterill), who came in and turned our season around last year and has assembled a very strong squad. “I’ve said it before and I maintain that they should be favourites for promotion. “But at the end of the day, a four-year deal and the opportunity to return to the Championship, where I feel I have unfinished business, was too good to turn down.” Baldock went on to pay tribute to two of his former bosses and to the team-mates he believes have all the credentials to join him in the Championship next season. “I’ll forever be grateful to Sean O’Driscoll for making me captain and to Steve Cotterill for keeping me in that position,” he continued. “I had a close bond to both of those managers, to the players and the staff – there are a fantastic bunch of people working for the club. “As for the supporters, I think I had my ups and downs with a few of them – with relegation and some poor performances – but I’ll forever be grateful for what they did by going into their own pockets to club together and pay for a Golden Boot. It was a humbling gesture. “I can only hope the club go on to win promotion – not only for the supporters, but for the manager and the set of lads I’ve left behind. They are the tightest group I’ve ever been a part of. “I went in this morning just to pick up my boots and say my goodbyes, which was difficult, but I’m excited by what the future holds with Brighton.” Read more at http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/20140827-baldockreflects-1879837.aspx#ao0DXsYBS3o8X3X8.99
