Durmus departs Saints
Fan favourite Ilkay returns home to Turkey
Turkish winger Ilkay Durmus has left St Mirren after two years with the Paisley club.
The rapid forward became a cult favourite with the Buddies support for his trademark mazy runs, stepovers and several memorable goals.
The 27- year- old made 39 appearances in the stripes this season, netting the winner at Celtic Park in the league as well as the opener against Aberdeen in their 2-1 League Cup victory.
His versatility also shone as he slotted into a more defensive role at wing-back, and while he was offered a new deal, manager Jim Goodwin admits he won’t be seen in a Saints shirt again after returning to his home country.
Goodwin said: “Ilkay has decided that he wants to go home and it’s unlikely that he will be in Scotland at the start of next season.
“He certainly won’t be wearing a St Mirren strip, unfortunately.
“He’s done great for me for the last couple of seasons and I wish him well wherever he ends up.”
The Buddies boss also confirmed contract negotiations are ongoing with Irish pair Dylan Connolly and Jake Doyle-Hayes.
The latter was an instrumental part of the St Mirren side that nearly grabbed a top-six spot and narrowly missed out on two cup final appearances last season, while Connolly, who made 39 appearances in all competitions, is one Goodwin feels can still improve at the SMISA Stadium.
Goodwin said: “Dylan enjoys it here and he has played some of the best football of his career last season in a number of games.
“I have a good working relationship with Dylan I think he sees the potential to develop here.
“I’m quite honest and frank in the discussions with him in terms that he still has a bit to improve, but I think Dylan can recognise the benefits of being here and playing in our team.
“He just needs to add a bit more consistency to his game for me, but yeah hopefully we will get that one over the line early next week.”
As well as contract negotiations with players already in the building taking place, Goodwin is also eyeing up reinforcements ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Having already added former Motherwell defender Charles Dunne to his ranks, he’s eyeing up another five reinforcements before the new season kicks off in earnest.
Goodwin added: “We have been speaking to agents for a number of months.
“We have been making contact with a number of people.
“You would like things to happen yesterday, but unfortunately there is a process in place where those players we are linked with are good players and have other options with other clubs, so we just have to be a little bit patient.
“We are working tirelessly behind the scenes and we would probably like to add, along with Charles, another five to the current squad.
“If we can get the ones I’ve identified in then we will be in a great position come the start of the season.”