PAGE: MY DIAMONDS EXIT HELL

MARK PIRIE

Frustrated defender Jonatha Jonathan n Pa Page g e h has a s claimed Airdrieonians shut down his D Diamonds iamo n d s exit after a potential move to Peterhead collapsed.

Having been given the green light to train with the Blue Toon by manager Ian Murray and director of football Stu Stuart Millar, the centre-back was offeH offered a deal at Balmoor.

However, the 29-year-old has clai claimed he was refused his release from his current contract, which run runs until next summer, halting the jump to their League One riva rivals.

B Boss Murray insists that it was the transfer- listed player who dec decided not to pursue the deal.

P Page says he is still holding out hop hope that the stuttering transfer can be revived.

“I went to Peterhead just so th they could get an idea of how fit I was,” he told the Advertiser.

“They were impressed with me and they were happy to offer me a con contract, but I’ve not been able to neg negotiate my release with Airdrie.

“I’d still like to be joining Pet Peterhead but as it stands it doe doesn’t look like that is going to hap happen.

““I can’t go into any detail, but they’ve made it clear to me that they [Airdrie] don’t see me as part of their plans as it stands.

“That does make it particularly frustrating because it does look like I’m going to be there for the season now.”

He continued: “I’m sure I will have the same stumbling blocks with my release again if I get a club, but that’s not to say that I don’t have a future.

“In the meantime I’m going to give my all for Airdrie.”

The Englishman intends to prove doubters wrong if he is handed his chance in the Diamond again, adding: “I’ve got myself into very good shape and I’ve come back fitter than every other player there.

“I’m going to be professional, I’ve got a contract. I came with a reputation of being one of the better players in the league and I know I’ve not lived up to that.

“I was well below par last season, but there are lots of different factors that lead into that. Hopefully I can get it right this season.”

Manager Murray said the defender failed to agree terms and couldn’t understand why Page would snub a deal.

The gaffer also notes that the Diamonds did Page a favour by giving him a chance to show his worth to the Aberdeenshire outfit.

Murray said: “Jim McInally had got in touch with us and asked if we would let Jonathan go so they can have a look at him.

“He was then offered a contract and for one reason or another decided to turn it down.

“I would say there are a lot of players in front of him at the moment, so it’s a wee bit surprising that he didn’t take the opportunity to leave.

“At the moment I don’t see Jonathan coming back into the squad.”