BY KYLE GUNN

ST MIRREN have confirmed that Oran Kearney has left the club by mutual consent, just 293 after he was appointed manager.

The 40-year-old, who only signed a three-year deal in September, has suffered a breakdown in his relationship with Buddies chairman Gordon Scott.

It’s understood Scott told the Northern Irishman he wanted him to make his move to Scotland a permanent one during a meeting last week, but with his children in school, Kearney wanted to continue to travel home after weekend games to spend time with his family.

Confirming the manager’s departure, a club statement read: “The Board can confirm that Oran Kearney has left the Club by mutual consent.

"The Club wish to thank Oran for his time in charge and wish him every success in the future."

Kearney, who led former side Coleraine to the Irish Cup in 2017-2018, was considered for the Saints job last summer after Championship winning boss Jack Ross left for Sunderland but was pipped to the post by former Hibs and Rotherham United boss Alan Stubbs.

However, Stubbs was sacked after losing three out of his first four league games and it gave the ex-PE teacher his first opportunity on the full-time stage.

His eight-month long reign started with a promising goalless draw against Celtic but he’d have to wait until November for his victory - a 2-0 win over Hearts in at the Simple Digital Arena.

And the season would end in dramatic fashion as the club retained their Premiership status by beating Dundee United on penalties in the Playoff Final.

St Mirren have also confirmed the friendly against Kearney’s former side Coleraine, which was due to take place in Belfast this Saturday, has been cancelled. However, the other pre-season game in Belfast against Rosario Seniors on Friday night, will be going ahead as planned. 

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