Teale Leaves St Mirren

St Mirren have announced Gary Teale has quit the club - a week after he was overlooked for the manager's position.

The former Scotland winger took over as interim boss after Tommy Craig was sacked last December.

But he could not prevent the Buddies from sliding out of the Scottish Premiership after finishing bottom of the table.

Teale - signed by Danny Lennon back in 2011 - had hoped to be given the chance to lead Saints' promotion bid next year, but chairman Stewart Gilmour instead turned to Dumbarton boss Ian Murray as the Paisley outfit prepare for next season's Championship campaign.

But after talks with the new manager, 36-year-old Teale - a 2013 League Cup winner with Saints - has decided he cannot drop back down the pecking order.

The former Derby and Wigan forward, whose departure was by by mutual consent'', told the club's official website:Although I am disappointed not to continue my years at St Mirren Park, I would like to thank everyone associated with the club for their support over the years.

I leave behind a lot of good friends and wish Ian and the Club every success in the future. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time here as a player none more so than March 17, 2013, which was the highlight of my career.''

Gilmour added: The club wishes Gary every success in the future and, as has already been stated, Gary will be a good manager in years to come.

The club appreciate the situation that Gary was left in by taking over somebody else's squad and thank him for all of his dedication and hard work during the season.

Gary will always be remembered at St Mirren as one of the cup winning legends of 2013 and will always be a welcome visitor at St Mirren Park.

It has been a very difficult period for Gary but throughout this testing time he has conducted himself with dignity and professionalism.''