MORTON manager David Hopkin says there was ‘only ever going to be one winner’ after losing out on re-signing Gregor Buchanan.

The centre-back had triggered a new contract extension with the Ton after making more than 25 appearances last season.

He met with the former Livingston and Bradford City boss shortly after he took charge last month, but in the end turned down a deal with the Ton.

Buchanan then signed with Falkirk on a two-year deal.
He followed ex-Ton midfielder Michael Tidser in joining former manager Ray McKinnon at the League One club, with Charlie Telfer expected to make the move to the Forth Valley club as well.

Buchanan grew up supporting Falkirk and was a season ticket holder at the club when he was younger.

Hopkin, who had previously worked with the centre-back at Livingston, says there was not much he could do to compete with the Bairns’ offer.

He told the Tele: “Gregor is 30 and when a club comes in and offers a two-year deal on a lot more money than he was on here, for him there’s only ever going to be one winner. I wish him all the best, he did well when I had him at Livingston.

“He played a big part in Morton staying up last season, but anybody who wants to leave or move on goes with my best wishes.”