GARY Oliver says he is disappointed his time at Morton has come to an end after he turned down a contract offer for next season saying the wage drop was just too much to take.

The forward leaves the club after three years at Cappielow, making over 100 appearances during his time with the Greenock side.

Oliver is one of eight players who will leave the club at the end of his contract next month, with ex-captain Lee Kilday another to exit.

Rory McKeown, Charlie Telfer, Denny Johnstone and Ben Armour will also leave the Ton, with Gaston’s departure confirmed by the Tele yesterday and Jack Iredale recently signing a pre-contract with Carlisle United.

Oliver, 23, admits it’s a sad way to leave Morton and says he enjoyed his time at club, but needs to look after himself first and foremost.

He told the Tele: “They offered me a deal and it just wasn’t really acceptable, and I just need to try and find somewhere else, that’s it really.

“I am disappointed with how it’s ended, but we just need to move on and see what other options are out there for me.

“It was quite a big drop. I can probably get something better elsewhere.

“All the best to Morton, but I need to look after myself.

“During this season we were hearing about budgets being cut, so it was kind of expected. One door closes and another one opens. I’ve enjoyed my time at Morton, they’ve been a good club to me and I’ve had a lot of good times, the majority of my time has been great there.”