EWOOD outcast Christian Dailly today revealed he had no option but to leave Blackburn Rovers after finally agreeing to join West Ham.

The 27-year-old was set to seal a £1.75 million move to the Hammers this morning, providing he passed a medical.

But, though the Scottish international is sorry to be leaving Ewood, he admits he had to make the break for the sake of his career.

"It's big wrench to leave Blackburn," said Dailly.

"In a lot of ways I'm sad it didn't work out there, especially when things sometimes happen in football that aren't always football related.

"I ended up not playing when I knew that I should have been and I think most people knew that as well.

"But I don't regret coming here because I've enjoyed my time with Rovers.

"People have been good to me and it's going to be hard to see everyone and say my goodbyes.

"But you've got to go where your football takes you and then try to settle after that.

"It was fairly clear I wasn't going to feature so in the end I decided a move was best."

Dailly was torn between a move to West Ham and Leicester after both clubs had bids accepted by Rovers last week.

But, after taking his time to weigh up his options, he finally plumped for the Hammers despite late interest from Everton.

"I'd already made my mind up and I thought it was only right that I stuck with my gut instincts in the end," said Dailly.

"It was important I took my time to think about it because I was determined to make sure in my mind that I was doing the right thing.

"This is, obviously, a big move for me because I'm 27 now and my best years are yet to come.

"I went for West Ham in the end because I just thought I would try something different.

"They're reknowned for playing good football and I fancied giving it a go.

"I'm just excited about it now.

"I look on it as a big challenge, I'm going to be playing in the Premiership again, and it's with a big club.

"I've been flattered by the interest in me but the fee probably got more people interested than it normally would."

Dailly was originally signed by Roy Hodgson in a £5.25 million deal in August 1998.

But due to the signing of Henning Berg and the recent emergence of Martin Taylor, his first team chances have been limited this season.

Rovers, consequently decided to cash in, and they will receive £1.75 million up front but that could eventually rise to £2 million, depending on appearances.

Tonight's reserve game against Leeds United at Morecambe's Christie Park has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.