David Greig believes the biggest achievement of his Blantyre Vics reign is the very reason he has tendered his resignation.

The club were left stunned when news broke of the popular gaffer’s decision to quit in the aftermath of last Saturday’s 2-0 Super First Division defeat at the hands of Greenock.

This third reverse from eight league starts leaving the Lanarkshire club down in ninth place proved the final straw for Greggy, who last night insisted: "We’ve come a long way since I walked through the Castle Park doors three years ago with Blantyre Vics sitting rank bottom of the Central Second Division.

“Initially my intentions were to make us hard working and difficult to beat, however performances improved on the back of better quality players coming to the club and back-to-back promotion seasons is the least their efforts deserved.

“It goes without saying the team has not always performed at the top of their game but we have instilled a winning mentality among the guys that has enabled them to dig deep and get us over the line on countless occasions.

“Overseeing such a committed bunch has made my management job a comparatively easy one but unfortunately I feel their hunger and desire is now on the wane and changes have to be made both for the good of them and Blantyre Vics.

“If the funds were there then maybe I would have moved out four or five players and replaced them with an injection of fresh blood but that’s not the case so stepping down and allowing someone else to fire them up seems the next best option.

” So many great times have been shared with the guys and I’m just disappointed we couldn’t complete our journey to the Super Premier Division and it would put a smile on my face if they made it without me.”

Circulating stories linking him with other clubs were scoffed at by Greig who stated he has no irons in the fire albeit he is keen to stay involved in the Juniors should a job opportunity arise .

He added: “I’m still as fiercely passionate as ever about the game and therein lies the problem as I cannot just settle for being an also-ran.”

Blantyre Vics have wasted no time in advertising the vacant manager’s position with applicants asked to contact match secretary Duncan Sinclair (07831327483) in the first instance while team affairs in the interim have been left in the capable hands of ex-St Johnstone ace Kevin Rutkiewicz , one of Greig’s few close-season signings.

Asked if he would be throwing his hat in the ring for the Castle Park post brought the experienced defender to respond: “It’s no secret that I have designs on moving into coaching and management at some point however for now I am only focused on looking after playing matters for two training sessions as well as Saturday’s game away to Girvan in the New Coin Holdings West of Scotland Cup.

“At that point we move into a Christmas break, so if there’s such a thing as a perfect time for a manager to resign then this is it because Blantyre Vics as a club will have a bit of breathing space to fully consider all their options.

“It’s important for one or two matters to be cleared up for the players themselves and I’ll seek answers on their behalf prior to the trip down to Girvan which promises to be a tough test.

“ I’m pretty sure I can lean on some of the more senior players for help if needed but I’d like to think every single player will be giving their all as a fitting send-off for Davie who has been a hugely influential character.”

Meanwhile, Arthurlie boss Robert Downs says he will listen to offers for full-back Craig Palmer and it’s believed any funds raised will be used to launch a bid for transfer-listed former Pollok team-mate John Sweeney.

Downsy confirmed: “I won’t deny we have made a tentative enquiry but matters have gone no further than that.”

Also newly available are ex-Airdrie winger Willie McLaren and midfielder Kris Dick after being deemed surplus to requirements at Forth Wanderers.