Ex-Saints duo released in relegated club’s cull

Two former St Mirren players are on the hunt for new clubs after being released by recently relegated Peterhead.

Goalkeeper Graeme Smith and defender Craig Reid are part of a 10 player cull to the playing staff at Balmoor following the side’s relegation to League Two.

They join Steven Noble, Ryan Strachan, Jamie Redman, Nathan Blockley and Kevin Dzierzawski in also leaving. Strikers Leighton McIntosh and Grant Anderson finish off the released list drawn up by manager Jim McInally.

Smith served as back-up goalkeeper to Craig Samson at St Mirren between 2011 and 2012, but failed to dislodge the stopper before leaving the club the following season. He has been at Peterhead ever since, turning out close to 150 times for the side.

Meanwhile, Reid enjoyed a loan spell at the Buddies a year ago while Ian Murray was the side’s gaffer. On-loan from Motherwell, Reid was a regular for the month he was at the club, only for Murray’s replacement, Alex Rae, to send him back to his parent club.

He has since gone on to play for Dunfermline and Icelandic side Keflavik alongside fellow former St Mirren man Marc McAusland. He returned to Scotland with Peterhead halfway through this season.

McInally said:“I said before the season ended that there would have to be significant changes and that is what is happening now. I would like to thank the players who are leaving for their service and wish them well.”