Irons has moved on to pastures new at Cappielow

The SPL's bottom side had denied this was the case when Irons - along with assistant Derek Collins - quit to take over at First Division Morton.

Gretna staff, including players, did not receive their wages on time on Monday, the day before Irons left.

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a concern," he told BBC Sport.

Irons left with the club stranded at the foot of the table, having picked up just 13 points from 25 games.

I leave Gretna with a touch of regret that I didn't get the chance to speak to Brooks Mileson Morton manager Davie Irons

Director of football Mick Wadsworth has taken temporary charge with the club's owner Brooks Mileson currently in a Newcastle hospital recovering from Illness.

"The uncertainty of what the club's going through at the moment had a bearing on it although that was only part of it," he added.

"I had to look after my family first and formost as my wife and children are what's most important to me.

"But also the professional opportunity of being a manager at Morton was one I couldn't refuse and I ironically see this as a step up.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to the events at Gretna

"You just have to look at the two clubs and Morton are a real, traditional football club."

Irons' one regret is that he could not see Mileson before he left the Black and Whites.

"I leave Gretna with sadness and a touch of regret that I didn't get the chance to speak to Brooks Mileson but obviously his illness didn't allow me to do that," he said.

"I had six wonderful years there being part of the glory years and thoroughly enjoyed it.

"But I felt the Morton job was too good an oportunity to knock back and I'm delighted I've got that chance to take the job and move the club forward."

Canning hopes Gretna can recover from this week's problems

Meanwhile, new Hibernian defender Martin Canning says his former club owe a great deal to Mileson.

Canning spent two years at Raydale before being released in January.

"Brooks is Gretna," he told BBC Sport.

"He's a nice, nice man and hopefully he makes a speedy recovery.

"I think it's been a hard week for the club, I've spoken to a few of the boys and obviously, things are a bit uncertain.