Brian Caldwell quits as St Mirren chief executive

St Mirren have suffered another high-profile departure after the Paisley outfit confirmed chief executive Brian Caldwell is to stand down.

Caldwell joined the Buddies from Ayr United in the summer of 2007 as general manager and was promoted to chief executive five years later.

The 46-year-old is now working a two-month notice period but news of his exit comes just four days after boss Ian Murray quit with his side sitting third bottom of the Championship.

Caldwell is now heading to a club down south but declined to reveal the identity of his new employers.

However, he did tell Clyde Sport: "I'm sad to be leaving St Mirren as I've made a lot of good friends at the club and in Paisley during my eight years here.

"I will miss the place as I've had a lot of great memories of this place. I spent a lot of my time here working on major developments from the club such as the move from Love Street to the Paisley 2021 Stadium and the new training ground. The League Cup win in 2013 was also one of the best days of my life.

"The club has had a tough time recently with its relegation from the Premiership but my decision to leave has nothing to do with that. It's a great opportunity for me both professionally and personally and one I could not turn down."

In a statement, the Saints board said: "During the past eight and a half years Brian has worked tirelessly for the benefit of the club in all areas to ensure it has been well run off the park, overseeing many projects including the move and renaming of Paisley 2021 Stadium, formation of the Club's training ground and airdome.

"The board of directors are obviously disappointed to lose Brian, but understand that having served the club for over eight years - and with the option to progress his own career elsewhere - there was always a possibility that an offer would come his way due to the excellent job he has done at St Mirren FC.

"The board wish to thank Brian for his hard work and wish him every success in the future when he moves to his new position after the new year."