GARY Oliver says negotiations between himself and Morton fizzled out after failing to agree an new deal to stay at Cappielow.

The striker left Greenock for a second time having spent three years at the club between 2016 and 2019 before re-joining in 2020.

Having initially been offered a new contract at the end of the season, the 26-year-old has decided a fresh start away from Morton was the best move and on Thursday joined Falkirk.

Oliver is the fourth player to exit Cappielow after Iain Wilson, Brian McLean and Gozie Ugwu turned down contract offers.

He told the Tele: "They offered me a new contract just after we finished the last game the Monday after.

“I just took a few weeks off. I tried to just switch off from football. 

“I didn’t really want to think about it, I just wanted to get a rest. It was a long season.

“Then the weeks went on and I never really heard anything from Morton. 

“Things just kind of petered out. 

“These things happen and I just need to move on now.”

Oliver yesterday completed a move to the Falkirk Stadium on a one-year deal with an option of a second upon the expiration of his current contract. 

He said: “The few weeks off helped me just to find my thoughts and sit down with my agent and family and decide what is best for me as a player and where I am at the time of my career just now. 

“I am nearly 27, I want to try and give it the best go I can.

“I had a few good offers elsewhere. 

“I thought it was time to change it up and try something different. 

“But as a club I love Morton. 

“They have been good to me over the years and I can’t say a bad word about them.”

Occupying an unfamiliar midfield role in Dougie Imrie’s side last season, Oliver believes playing the deeper position will stand him in good stead playing for the Bairns.

He said: “I played a different position than usual and scored six goals from midfield, which isn’t bad for taking on a new position. 

“I didn’t mind it, it is good that other managers can see that I can play up front, wide and in midfield as well.

“Last year actually helped me. 

“By playing different positions and other managers and teams knowing that I can play there, I can take a lot from last season. 

“This season I want to get a smile on my face and enjoy it and play on the front foot.”

The striker says he has loved his time at Cappielow and wished his old club all the best.

Oliver said: “I’ve loved every minute of my two years at Morton in my second spell. 

“It is a good club and I wish them all the best.”