Cammy Ballantyne disputes Airdrie's 'declined a new contract claim' as he opens up on exit for Morton

Cammy Ballantyne says he disputes Airdrie's version of his New Broomfield exit but insists he has nothing but good memories after ending his two-year spell with the Diamonds.

The defender parted company with the Championship side last week and quickly sealed a move to their league rivals Greenock Morton on a two-year deal.

Airdrie announced his exit last week informing fans that he had 'declined a contract offer'. The 27-year-old insists that wasn't the case, but has no hard feelings as he prepares for a new challenge at Cappielow.

He told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "It is never nice to leave but I am looking forward to the next challenge. I don't want to go into too much detail on it but I didn't decline a contract at Airdrie. There were ongoing negotiations between me and them and then it just didn't work out the way we wanted to, so it is for me to move on now.

"I have nothing but great memories from my time at Airdrie. It was a really successful spell there. We got promoted in my first season and this season there we managed to win a cup and got into the play-offs as well.

"I just wanted to keep things fresh and try something new. I have nothing but good things to say about Airdrie, it is just time to move on. This [Morton move] is what is best for me and my family going forward."

Ballantyne - who hails from East Kilbride - is one of a number of regulars to quit the club this summer, following strikers Calum Gallagher and Gabby McGill out the door, as well as midfielder Charlie Telfer.

Asked if seeing some key players leave had an influence on his decision, he said: "It wasn't a huge factor, but you see other boys moving on and it gets in your mind that maybe it is time to move on as well. Airdrie will be absolutely