St Mirren: Paul McGowan exits as Marian Kello signs new deal

Paul McGowan is to leave St Mirren after the forward was not offered a new contract by the Premiership club.

The 26-year-old has spent the last four seasons in Paisley and was part of the Buddies' 2013 League Cup-winning side.

Goalkeeper Marian Kello, 31, has signed a new one-year contract to remain with St Mirren for season 2014-15.

And defender Mo Yaqub, 20, has also extended his deal for the next campaign, having debuted in 2013.

McGowan initially joined the Buddies on loan from Celtic in 2010 and formalised the transfer the following year, eventually making over 150 appearances in Danny Lennon's side, scoring 25 goals.

Lennon has been replaced by Tommy Craig and McGowan follows Adam Campbell, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Conor Newton, Josh Magennis and David van Zanten in leaving St Mirren.

"We feel now is the time for a parting of the ways," Craig told the club website.

"Paul has been a great servant to St Mirren over the past four years but he needs a fresh challenge and we would like to thank him for his services to St Mirren Football Club."

Former Hearts stopper Kello has made 24 appearances since joining the Buddies in October.

"He had an impressive season right up until the last four or five weeks when he picked up an injury and we couldn't play him," added Craig.

"Overall, he came here and impressed everyone at the club with his professionalism and his talent as a goalkeeper is there for everyone to see.

"To get him on board for another year is good news for me and the fans."

Meanwhile, academy graduates Adam Brown, Declan Hughes and Mark Williams have signed first-team contracts with St Mirren.

Williams and Brown have penned one-year contracts while Hughes has signed up until January.