Former Celtic and Rangers talent spotter makes surprise move to Premiership rivals
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FORMER Celtic and Rangers scout John Park has returned to Scottish football to take on a surprise new role at a Premiership club.
The experienced talent spotter, who was instrumental in bringing the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama, Gary Hooper and Moussa Dembele to Glasgow, was most recently down south with Blackburn Rovers.
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Ex-Celtic chief scout John Park in the stands
Credit: PA
He held the position of head of recruitment at Ewood Park and now he's back in Scotland in the same role.
St Mirren have confirmed Park has replaced Martin Foyle as their new head of recruitment and emerging talent after Foyle left the club to join Carlisle United.
St Mirren chief operating officer Keith Lasley said: "We are sorry to see Martin moving on and wish him the best of luck in his new challenge.
"His contributions have been key in the club's progression over the past few seasons and we thank him for all his efforts.
"We have, however, moved quickly to bring John to the club and we are excited to welcome him to St Mirren.
Park stirred up controversy when he moved to Rangers in 2022 following his success at their rivals across the city.
He worked under the supervision of Ross Wilson at Ibrox and departed the club in December 2023, when Rangers wiped the slate clean of Michael Beale and his coaching staff.
Nils Koppen took up the position when Philippe Clement replaced the Englishman in the dugout.
On his latest move to Paisley, Park said: "I'm delighted to be joining St Mirren.
"The club has a clear strategy in terms of its football operations and I believe my experience will help build upon that."
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Manager Stephen Robinson added: "Martin has been an integral part of what we've done over the past three and a half years and he's been an integral part of what I've done as a manager over 10 years now.
"He's a close friend of mine now and it's a sad loss for the club.
"Another opportunity arose that was exciting for him and it's with regret that Martin is leaving. I'd like to put on record my thanks to him for his recruitment and for all he's done at the football club.
"The club have appointed John and it's important that we get working together quickly, build a relationship, and I look forward to that."
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