St Mirren have released several players, appointed Gavin Miller as head of recruitment, and confirmed their managerial appointment process is ongoing. Departures include former Hibs loanee James Scott and long-serving recruitment lead John Park.
The Scottish Premiership side St Mirren has published its retained list and confirmed a series of changes within the playing and recruitment ranks. The club reiterated that its search for a permanent first-team manager is active while also announcing a new appointment to lead player identification and data-driven scouting.
Among the exits from the Buddies are several out-of-contract players, including a well-known forward who previously spent time on loan at Hibernian. In addition, the club’s long-serving head of recruitment has moved on, and a replacement has been named to oversee future signings and recruitment strategy.
Playing departures and the end of contracts
St Mirren thanked a group of departing professionals who will not be retained for the upcoming campaign. Those leaving include Scott Tanser, Dan Nlundulu, Luke Kenny, Oisin Smyth and James Scott. The club acknowledged each player’s contribution and wished them well as they seek new opportunities.
James Scott stands out among the list as a player with a circuitous career path: he emerged through Motherwell, earned a move to Hull City in England, and later spent a loan spell at Hibernian. After subsequent permanent spells, including a stint at Exeter City, Scott joined St Mirren in 2026. His time at the Paisley club has now concluded following the expiry of his contract.
Recruitment reshuffle: departure of John Park and arrival of Gavin Miller
The club has also confirmed a change in its recruitment leadership. John Park — who previously worked across the Scottish game, including time at Rangers, Celtic and a long tenure at Easter Road — has left his role as head of recruitment. Park had been instrumental in building youth pathways and establishing analytics partnerships to support player acquisition.
Stepping into that role is Gavin Miller, appointed as the new Head of Recruitment following an extensive hiring process. Miller arrives from a recent period working with Motherwell FC and brings experience from the English game as well. The club highlighted his background in combining traditional scouting with data-led recruitment methods.
What the club says about the recruitment change
In its statement, the club explained that Park had helped put in place key structures, including a strategic tie-up with an analytics provider, and thanked him for his service. The announcement framed Miller’s hiring as a continuation and enhancement of those processes, with an emphasis on leveraging both a network of scouts and analytics to identify players with potential resale value and on-field impact.
Managerial process remains a priority
While confirming the recruitment appointment and player departures, St Mirren made clear that the search for a permanent manager is ongoing. After the temporary stewardship of coach Craig McLeish — who took interim charge following Stephen Robinson’s move to Aberdeen — the club is intent on a careful recruitment process to appoint the next full-time boss who will guide the team forward.
Club leadership comments
Chief Operating Officer Keith Lasley welcomed Gavin Miller and underlined the importance of a strong scouting framework. Lasley said that Miller was the standout candidate because of his track record in identifying undervalued talent and converting scouting insights into revenue-generating transfers. He also reiterated appreciation for John Park’s contributions, noting the systems Park put in place and leaving the club with everyone’s best wishes.
Recruitment priorities for the coming season
According to the club’s communication, Miller has already begun assessing the current squad and engaging with several out-of-contract players to determine next steps. The incoming Head of Recruitment will be tasked with refining the club’s use of data analytics, reinforcing scouting networks across the UK and Europe, and aligning transfer targets with the eventual new manager’s tactical profile.
With promotion and relegation battles behind them, the Buddies are now focused on consolidation in the top flight. The combined work of the incoming recruitment chief and a future permanent manager will be pivotal in shaping the squad, securing smart signings, and delivering improved performances on the pitch.
As the club continues its selection process for the managerial role, supporters will watch closely to see how the recruitment changes translate into player movement and squad building. For now, St Mirren have set out a clear short-term plan: stabilise recruitment operations, thank departing staff and players, and proceed methodically with the hunt for a long-term manager.
