Dean Smith has issued his first statement since his Aston Villa sacking as he makes clear a difference in opinion with the club's board.
The 50-year-old was one of several managers to be axed over the weekend with Daniel Farke also losing his job at Norwich.
Smith has led Villa for three years but had presided over a five-game losing run that had his side sat just outside the relegation zone.
The board have backed Smith financially throughout his tenure and last term, after securing top flight status, he led them to 11th.
He said in a statement: "My initial remit was to try and lead the club back to the Premier League within a two-year period.
"Sitting in 15th position in the Championship when I arrived in the October, managing to lead the team on a record-breaking ten match winning run and into the play-offs.
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"Where we would eventually win promotion thanks to a memorable day at Wembley Stadium, was without doubt an achievement that I will always look back on with pride.
"Having led the club back to the Premier League ahead of schedule and at the first time of asking after three years in the Championship, the next challenge was to help overhaul the squad and create a group good enough to survive that all-important first season back in the Premier League.
"In doing so, I believe those achievements allowed the club to accelerate its ambitions to become an established Premier League club.
Back in the summer the likes of Emi Buendia, Danny Ings and Leon Bailey were all signed, but there has been no sign of improvement.
As a result Smith has lost his job, but he remains adamant, when he had a fully fit squad available, he would've fulfilled his remit.
"My belief was that we would continue our progression this season," he added.
"I understand the football industry and of course, I respect the owners decision, but I felt that with important players soon returning to full fitness we would achieve a top half finish."
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Smith inherited a young Grealish, a player firmly on the rise, and helped the player progress into a man who cost Manchester City £100m.
The former Villa boss was keen to point out his work with the academy, as the likes of Jacob Ramsey become first-team regulars.
He continued: "One of my roles as Head Coach at Aston Villa was to improve individual players to enhance on-field performance for the team. Playing a part in developing a player who would be transferred for a British record transfer fee.
"Along with creating a pathway for a thriving academy, are all areas in which I feel I’ve more than contributed.
"I hope the culture and environment that has been created at both Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park will continue to flourish."
