Spalding joined the club alongside boss Ian Murray from Dumbarton in the summer, and had been second in command since then.

The club released the following statement: “St Mirren today wish to announce that assistant manager, Mark Spalding has left the club by mutual consent.

“On reflection of Saturday’s defeat at Falkirk it was felt that some changes were required going forward and after discussions it was agreed with Mark that he would step down from his role at the Club in order for such changes to be made.

“The club wish to thank Mark for putting the club and manager, Ian Murray first in this instance and for his hard work on and off the field during his time at the club and wish him well in the future.” Saints moved quickly to bring in former boss Alex Miller, who has returned to the club in a coaching capacity to help out Murray behind the scenes.