In his final interview with Bristol City Player, Gary Johnson said the decision to leave his job as manager by mutual consent was the "right one for the football club".
He thanked the chairman, staff and supporters for a "fantastic" four-and-a-half years in charge.
And he urged the supporters to back chairman Steve Lansdown to bring the success the club "deserves".
Clearly emotional, he told Bristol City Player: "We had to make a decision for the betterment of the football club.
"I have enjoyed a great relationship with the chairman, and we always said we would make the right decision at the right time - there is nothing bigger than the football club and we felt the way things were going it was time for a change of managerial face.
"When supporters stop laughing at your jokes and thinking your words are perhaps not as trustworthy as they used to be, it is time to move on
"It is very difficult for me for the simple reason I love the club but sometimes the good times come to an end and you need to go out a get a new challenge.
"I wish the club all the best for the future. It's been a fantastic move for me and I'm very proud of the success we have had here. There were many highlights but the Crystal Palace play-off semi-final win was the pinnacle for me.
"It is very difficult for me for the simple reason I love the club but sometimes the good times come to an end and you need to go out a get a new challenge."
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"Maybe getting to the play-off final made everyone's ambitions (to reach) the Premier League stronger and we couldn't quite deliver that in the past couple of years."
He added: "The chairman deserves all the success this club gets, whether that is the World Cup bid, the new stadium, passionate players or passionate people because he is passionate man, and an honest one.
"I thank the majority of the fans for their support. I would say to them that if you want a successful club trust the people in charge and always support them and players to the hilt and see where that takes them. If it does not happen they will move on."
Assistant manager Keith MIllen takes caretaker charge of the club for the visit of Newcastle on Saturday and Gary said: "Keith has been fantastic servant, he works very hard and is very conscientious. He is a super chap and Bristol City through and through and deserves his chance."
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PLAYER: Gary Johnson video exclusive
