Samson opts for new role at Sunderland

St Mirren manager Oran Kearney said yesterday that it was best for all concerned to allow first-choice goalkeeper Craig Samson to retire and move to Sunderland immediately.

Samson accepted a coaching role at the English League One side under former Saints boss Jack Ross, despite having made 17 appearances for Kearney’s strugglers this term.

Back-up goalkeeper Danny Rogers has been injured for most of his time since moving on loan from Aberdeen, leaving only Dean Lyness as cover in goal.

“We’d like to thank Craig for his magnificent service,” said Kearney in a statement on the St Mirren website. “We discussed the option of him staying until January, but we feel it’s in everyone’s interests that he takes up his new role with immediate effect.”

Samson, who made over 150 appearances for St Mirren over two spells, added: “This is the best club I have ever been at. It’s not ideal timing, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”