JIMMY Ryan has admitted that it was with a heavy heart that he decided to quit Accrington Stanley – but he knew he had reached the point when he had to leave.

Ryan starred in Stanley’s rise to make the League Two play-offs and had been a key man in each of his three seasons at the Crown Ground.

The 22-year-old midfielder was offered a new two-year deal to stay at Stanley but opted to join League One side Scunthorpe, also turning down late interest from another unnamed club.

“I’m disappointed to leave a little bit, because the club have done well for me,” said Ryan, who will return to the Crown Ground when Stanley take on Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup first round.

“They are a good club and the fans are great. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Accrington.

“But I just felt for myself and my career I had to take that step further and Scunthorpe are the club to do that. I think they can take me on as a player.

“It was a big highlight to see Accrington get to the play-offs.

“I’m glad I contributed to that.

“Last year was probably the best I’ve played.

“The first year at Accrington I scored 10 goals the same, but last season I think I was more of a complete player.

“The gaffer gave me freedom and I think it paid off in the end.”

Stanley boss John Coleman has expressed his anger that Scunthorpe did not have the courtesy to speak to him before signing Ryan.

But the League One side say they did make contact with chief executive Rob Heys, now away climbing Kilimanjaro for charity, and are eager to agree a fee and avoid a tribunal.

Oldham are yet to agree a fee for keeper Alex Cisak and, with funds limited, are wary of taking their chances on a tribunal.

Stanley boss John Coleman is desperate to keep the out-of-contract 22-year-old, who worked with Oldham management duo Paul Dickov and Gerry Taggart at Leicester and may also have the option of returning to play for a club in his native Australia.

Terry Gornell has held talks with Shrewsbury as he decides his future, with Inverness looking resigned to defeat in their chase.