Montrose boss Paul Hegarty has admitted he had hoped to secure Scott Buist on a permanent deal after the player impressed as a trialist for the club however, he understands why the defender ultimately opted to sign for Stirling Albion instead.
The 30-year-old had last played for Stenhousemuir nearly three years ago after suffering a serious knee injury that looked to have ended his career.
Buist though battled back to full fitness and Hegarty was hopeful a deal could be thrashed out but he will now continue to look elsewhere for squad reinforcements.
The manager said: “We were delighted to have Scott in at the club on trial but he has decided to sign for Stirling Albion.
“He was very honest when he came to us saying there were a couple of other clubs interested in him.
“We were happy though to play him as a trialist and we were hoping he would ultimately decide to join us.
“He told me he had been out for a total of two years and eight months because of injury but when he came in to us he was in fantastic shape and he is a smashing lad.
“I think he seriously considered joining us but he lives in the Falkirk/Stirling area so he decided to join Albion instead.
“But we wish him all the best for the future.
“I still have one or two other possible signing targets but I know other clubs are after them as well so it is a bit of a waiting game.”