Park’s exit from Ewood Park was formally confirmed in November, after two periods with the club. He has been named the new Head of Recruitment and Emerging Talent at St Mirren, the club has announced. Park succeeds former Rovers player Martin Foyle in the post. Foyle is departing to join Carlisle United after their relegation to the National League. According to the announcement, Martin joined the club in 2022 under manager Stephen Robinson and has played an important part in our recruitment strategy since then.

“He moves on to a new challenge and we would like place on record our sincere thanks to Martin for all his efforts and wish him every success in the future.

“We are thrilled to welcome John Park to the club as Martin’s replacement. The highly experienced talent spotter brings a plethora of knowledge to the post, having worked with Celtic, Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Maccabi Haifa, Vancouver Whitecaps, and other clubs throughout the world. “John, most recently Head of Recruitment at Blackburn Rovers, has returned to Scotland to take on the post of Head of Recruitment and Emerging Talent at Saints. “With a proven track record in player trading and development, John’s remit will involve building upon the club strategy to align and integrate our football operations to achieve sustainable success.”

Saints hope to build on their top-half position in the Scottish Premiership as they prepare for the new season. “We are sorry to see Martin moving on and wish him the best of luck in his new challenge,” the chief operating officer, Keith Lasley, said. “His services have been critical to the club’s success over the last few seasons, and we applaud him for all of his work. “We have, however, moved quickly to bring John to the club and we are excited to welcome him to St Mirren.” Park continued, “I’m thrilled to be joining St Mirren. The club has a defined vision for its football operations, and I feel my experience will help expand on it.”

Manager Robinson commended Foyle’s services at St Mirren Park in recent years and expressed enthusiasm about working with Park. “Martin has been a vital part of what we’ve done over the last three and a half years, as well as what I’ve done as a manager over the past ten years. “He’s become a close friend of mine, and it’s a sad loss for the club,” he said. “Another intriguing opportunity presented itself, and Martin is leaving with regret. I’d like to express my gratitude to him for his recruitment and for everything he’s done at the football club. “The club has appointed John, and it’s crucial that we start working together soon, build a relationship, and I look forward to that.”

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