Cammy Ballantyne admits moving closer to home and the security of a two-year deal was too good an opportunity to turn down after he became Airdrie’s first summer signing.
The 25-year-old spent five of the last six years at League One rivals Montrose and his displays for the Links Park side – who Airdrie defeated in the play-off semi-finals – have earned him a move closer to home in South Lanarkshire
The East Kilbride man, whose previous clubs also include Dundee United and Dumbarton, is the first recruit under new player-manager Rhys McCabe.
Ballantyne had four spells with the Gable Endies including three loans spells from Dundee United and is now relishing the opportunity to help Airdrie to Championship promotion next season.
And he admits he is relieved to see an end to the long trips to Angus every other Saturday.
The former Duncanrig Secondary School pupil said: ”It’s ideal moving back home again and not coming back in from a game at 9pm most Saturdays. I’ll get in before 6pm most days now and it made sense for me to get back down the road.
“But Montrose was great for me. It was a bit of a journey going up there, but I enjoyed my football there and they gave me a great opportunity.
“I thank them for that, but it’s good to be closer to home.
“It’s a two-year deal as well and having that security is great. I’m going back to full-time football so it’s a good opportunity for me.
“We had a great game with Airdrie in the play-offs this season and then they just missed out to Queen’s Park in the play-off final, but the plan now will be to go one better next season.”
Defender Ballantyne has been on the Diamonds’ radar for a while and the move came to fruition before McCabe was announced as the club’s new player-manager.
He added: “I’d spoken to the Airdrie co-owner Paul [Hetherington] for a few days and he was really keen for me to come. It was all agreed before Rhys was announced.
“But I’ve had a good chat with Rhys as well and he’s delighted I’m on board too, so it’s worked out fine.
“There’s never been any formal approach before now, but from the way they were talking I think they have been interested in me for a wee while.
“As soon as my contract with Montrose ran out, they were quick to give me a call.
“I had a good chat with Rhys and I think things will be pretty similar to last year because the club had something really good here.
“He’ll come in and tweak things, put his own stamp on it, and I’ve heard really good things from the people who have worked with him.”
Ballantyne is now looking forward to joining up with his new team-mates later this month and he feels he will be able to settle in well, with ex-Sons team-mate Calum Gallagher among the squad.
”I played with Calum when I was at Dumbarton so I know him really well,” he said. “Having a familiar face will help me settle in, but I’ve played against most of these guys four times a season for the last couple of years so you get to know them pretty well through that.
“We are back for pre-season in mid-June, around the 18th but it’s not been confirmed, and I can’t wait to get started.”
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