St Mirren retained list confirmed as Ryan Strain among seven players leaving Buddies

St Mirren today confirmed their retained list with seven players leaving the club.

First-team stars Charles Dunne, Ryan Strain, Keanu Baccus and Alex Greive are departing the SMiSA Stadium this summer when their contracts expire.

Australian international midfielder Baccus has already signed on the dotted line at English League One side Mansfield Town after agreeing a two-year deal.

Fellow Socceroo Strain heads off after following in the footsteps of grandfather Gerry Baker – a member of the Buddies side which won the Scottish Cup in 1959.

Taking to Instagram, the highly-rated 27-year-old told fans: “What a two years! Just wanted to come on here and thank everyone that has supported me in my time at St Mirren.

“First time in 36 years securing top six and then topping it off with Europe this year. Enjoy the European journey when it comes!

“To the players, what a time on and off the pitch. We’ve been like one big family and I will cherish these memories for lifetime. So proud to have followed in my grandad’s footsteps and played for this great club. Thank you everyone.”

New Zealand international Greive also took to the same social media platform to send a farewell message to fans. The 25-year-old striker spent the second half of the season on loan at Dundee United where he celebrated winning the Championship.

However, he will be remembered for setting Saints on the road to Europe with his last-minute winner in the 3-2 victory at Hibernian on the opening day of the Premiership season.

Greive said: “Thank you St Mirren Football Club for the best two years of my life. What a special time it has been.”

Selfless defender Dunne, popular within the dressing room, leaves Saints after three years service with the club. The loan trio of keeper Zach Hemming (Middlesbrough), Jaden Brown (Lincoln City) and Hyeokkyu Kwon (Celtic) have returned to their parent clubs.

Meanwhile, Saints have offered new contracts to three players as they prepare for next season and a crack at the UEFA Conference League.

The experienced Ryan Flynn could be set for a player/coach role in Paisley with the club also keen on keeping Luke Kenny and former Celtic hero Neil Lennon’s son, Gallagher.

There are 19 players already under contract with manager Stephen Robinson looking to bring in at least three new faces this summer following Shaun Rooney’s arrival.

The Buddies players will return to Ralston for the start of pre-season training on Monday, June 24. The grass pitches both at the training ground and SMiSA Stadium are in the process of being replaced.

The full squad breakdown is as follows...

Under contract through 2024/25 season:

James Bolton, Shaun Rooney, Scott Tanser, Richard Taylor, Mark O’Hara, Jonah Ayunga, Mikael Mandron, Conor McMenamin, Greg Kiltie, Alex Gogic, James Scott, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Toyosi Olusanya, Marcus Fraser, Lewis Jamieson, Kieran Offord, Peter Urminsky, Fraser Taylor and Ethan Sutherland.

Offers made:

Ryan Flynn, Luke Kenny and Gallagher Lennon.

Leaving the club:

Keanu Baccus, Charles Dunne, Alex Greive and Ryan Strain.

Returning to their parent club:

Jaden Brown, Zach Hemming and Hyeokkyu Kwon.

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