Samson hangs up gloves after accepting Black Cats coach post

St Mirren boss Oran Kearney admits it is best for all concerned if Buddies number one Craig Samson retires and moves to Sunderland now.

The Paisley outfit have confirmed the goalkeeper has hung up his gloves after accepting a Black Cats coaching role under former Saints boss Jack Ross.

The 34-year-old has made 17 appearances for Kearney’s strugglers this term – the last coming in the 1-1 draw with Dundee at Dens just four days ago – while back-up stopper Danny Rogers has been injured for most of his time at the club since moving on loan from Aberdeen.

But the Irishman, who spent the 2005-06 season with Dundee United, has refused to stand in Samson’s way, even though he only has former Hearts and Blackpool keeper Dean Lyness as cover in goal.

“Craig’s been a great character and an ultimate professional in my time at the club and goes with our best wishes,” said Kearney in a statement on the St Mirren website.

“We discussed the option of Craig staying until January, but we feel it is in everyone’s best interests that he takes up his new role with immediate effect.”

Samson started his career with Kilmarnock and joined Saints in July 2010.

The former Scotland squad member made over 150 appearances for the Buddies over two spells, helping the Paisley outfit lift the League Cup in 2013 before last season’s Ladbrokes Championship triumph.

As part of the move, Sunderland have agreed to play a pre-season friendly at the Simple Digital Arena next summer.