St Mirren's search for Jack Ross' successor already underway
The ex-Buddies boss signed a two-yer deal with Sunderland
St Mirren say they had already begun the recruitment process for a new manager - even before Sunderland announced Jack Ross as their new boss.
The Championship winners had been planning for the possibility of Ross moving on following an whirlwind 20 months in Paisley.
The former Saints player recently held talks with Ipswich after rejecting the opportunity to go to the likes of Dundee and Barnsley over the previous 12 months, but Sunderland moved in quickly as new owners seek to bounce back following consecutive relegations.
The 41-year-old former Alloa boss led St Mirren to safety last year despite being eight points adrift in late February, before winning the title by the same margin this season.
A club statement read: "The St Mirren board has already began the formal process of recruiting a new manager and will keep supporters updated through official club channels.
"The club would also like to express its gratitude to Jack for ensuring that St Mirren FC were protected at all times and commend his commitment to the job throughout periods of speculation.
"We wish Jack every success in his new challenge at Sunderland.
"We can also confirm that James Fowler will leave the club to join Jack at Sunderland. We would like to also thank James for his hard work and dedication in his time as assistant manager and wish him the best in the new challenge.''
Ross sent a message on the St Mirren website where he expressed his "sincere gratitude'' to a number of people connected with the Paisley club.
"To my players and staff who have worked tirelessly to support the work we do and who have been relentless in their pursuit of success and their desire to drive the club forwards,'' he added.
"To the chairman Gordon Scott and directors Alan Wardrop, Chris Stewart and David Nicol for their willingness and indeed patience to help meet my demands for excellence at the club, and to chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick and my guru Gavin Whyte for their incredible backing and unwavering faith in me.
"To the fantastic support I cannot thank you enough for sticking with me, backing us in our hour of need and then joining us on the terrific journey of the past season and a half.
"I am immensely proud that I have helped to give you your club back and I have always said that your unwavering passion for your club was there long before me and will continue long after my time.
"It has not been an easy decision to leave a club and a job which I loved but I have been offered an exciting career opportunity of which the challenge of I look forward to meeting.
"The days at Easter Road last May, and the Saturday's 21st and 28th April at our stadium and in the town will be memories I will always treasure and I wish all Buddies every future success.'