Danny Higginbotham has exclusively told the Daily Echo why he turned down a new contract at Saints.

The 27-year-old defender said it was not for financial reasons, but for "a fresh start."

Higginbotham, who has been at Saints since a £1.5m move from Derby in January 2003, was yesterday placed on the transfer list.

Higginbotham told the Daily Echo back in April that he had refused an extension to his deal, which expires next summer, after former chairman Rupert Lowe made an offer which would have effectively seen him take a paycut.

Since Lowe left almost a month ago, Higginbotham has been offered a new contract but has decided not to sign that one either.

Saints have placed Higginbotham on the transfer list in order to recoup a fee for him he could walk away for nothing next summer which George Burley should then be able to use to strengthen the squad.

Burley is now left with only 17-year-old Gareth Bale as a natural left-back.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last night, Higginbotham said: "I just feel it's time in my career to move on somewhere else for a fresh start.

"The new owners have conducted themselves very well.

"We talked about a new contract but in the end I decided it was time to move on somewhere else, though I didn't ask to be put on the transfer list.