It’s a deal for Saints duo
St Mirren put the drama of Oran Kearney’s departure behind them by quickly announcing the return of two Buddies.
Gary MacKenzie has penned a one-year contract extension with the Paisley side, while goalkeeper Dean Lyness has rejoined the club after leaving Raith Rovers.
MacKenzie, 33, first signed for St Mirren in July 2016 and has gone on to make 62 appearances in his three seasons at the club.
He has since cemented his spot as a firm favourite among the Saints support, helping the club avoid relegation in his first campaign before playing his part in the promotion-winning season of 2017/18.
The former MK Dons and Blackpool defender missed much of last season with an Achilles injury, but returned to again lead by example as the Buddies narrowly beat the drop.
And the big man was suitably happy to have agreed a new deal.
He said: “I’m delighted to be staying.
“It’s been in place since the end of last season and I’m glad to be back and to be staying.
“Hopefully, we can kick on from how we finished the season.
“Personally, I finished the season really well and I’m looking to stay fit and play more games than I did last season.
“I was just counting down the days to come back.
“I joke with the lads that this is actually easier being in at work than being at home with four kids.”
Meanwhile, English stopper Lyness has penned a two-year contract as he agreed to return to the club.
Lyness was originally signed last September and he went on to feature on four occasions before being released in January.
But ,with Vaclav Hladky ahead of him in the pecking order, he says he is ready to battle it out for the gloves.
Lyness said: “It is good to be back.
“From the minute I got the call, I was more than happy to speak to the club and get things sorted.
“I have been in the position before where I gone went back to a club that I have previously been at and it was a bit strange.
“But it easy when you know players in the dressing room and it makes it an easier transition, so it is good to be here.
“It was great to see the boys do the business at the end of last season and it was a massive opportunity for myself to get back in the Premiership. “I am here to push Vaclav. “He had a great second half to the season when he came in and I fully respectful that.
“I am sure we will bring the best out in each other.”
St Mirren Colts have been drawn to face East Kilbride at home in the first round of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup. The winners of the tie will face Dumbarton in the second round. Ties are scheduled to be played August 13/14. More details on the tie will be announced in due course.