BRADLEY Orr has sent a heartfelt message of thanks to players, staff and supporters after bidding farewell to life at Bristol City.

The long-serving defender finally called time on his six-year stint at Ashton Gate when completing his transfer to Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers last week.

When Orr, who had a year to run on his Ashton Gate contract, turned down a new deal, City decided to cash in on the 28-year-old right-back.

Offered a significant pay rise to move to Loftus Road, Orr admits he found it hard to leave Bristol when the time came.

Speaking for the first time since his move, he said: "I'd like to thank all the players I worked with over my six years with the club, because they helped me no end. I also want to thank all the supporters who stuck by me throughout my time with Bristol City. I can't speak highly enough of them.

"And I owe another thank you to all the staff I worked with; Keith Millen, Gary Johnson, Alan Walsh, Stuart Naylor and, most recently, Steve Coppell. In some way they have all helped to improve my game and aid my development.

"Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to the chairman (Steve Lansdown). He's a fantastic man, someone I have a lot of time and respect for. Through good times and bad, he showed how supportive he can be. He's done so much for the club and for me in the past six years.

"I'll always have an awful lot of time and respect for Bristol City Football Club. It's been major part of my life over the past six years and also my family's life. It's been my home and it's where my children were born."

Orr said an emotional farewell to his former team-mates at City's Failand training headquarters before travelling to West London to finalise his long-anticipated move, and he admitted: "It was so difficult to say goodbye.

"I'm not ashamed to admit that when I drove away from Ashton Gate for the last time there was a big lump in my throat. It was an emotional time for me."

A wholehearted performer, Orr was named in the PFA's Championship team of the year in 2008. Yet he divided opinion among City fans throughout his six years at Ashton Gate.

He added: "I know I wasn't every supporter's cup of tea during my time there, but I hope everyone acknowledges and appreciates that when I pulled on that red shirt I never gave anything less than 100 per cent. I'll always follow the club's progress and look out for the results. I've already looked at when the fixtures are for QPR against Bristol City this season and I can't wait to return to Ashton Gate, whatever reception I receive."

Orr launched his career as a midfielder, but became a converted right-back at City and played a prominent part in the club's promotion from League One in 2007.

He said: "I still remember the game against Rotherham United and the celebrations after winning promotion. It was such a massive thing for the club and the city.

"Of course, the biggest disappointment and regret was the play-off final the following season.

"There had been such a build-up of excitement and we'd worked so hard to reach the big day at Wembley.

"To have the day cut short by an injury (fractured cheekbone) after just 15 minutes was devastating. I tried to play on but it wasn't to be, and I remember being told that the lads had lost in my hospital bed when there was nothing I could do. It took me so long to get over that."

Looking ahead to life with QPR, Orr said: "It's a fresh challenge for me. I'm looking forward to the new season and the club is showing its ambition with a host of signings."