Queen of the South: Paul Burns leaves for new career

Burns has spent most of his career at Palmerston

Queen of the South have released Paul Burns so the midfielder can take a job outside football.

The 31-year-old, who re-joined the Doonhamers after leaving Dunfermline Athletic in 2012, had signed a new contract at the end of last season.

Queens said in a website statement: "Paul has now been offered a good full-time job outside football that he feels unable to turn down.

"And he will therefore be giving up full-time football."

Burns was in his second spell at Palmerston Park, having come through the youth ranks there before joining Dunfermline Athletic for a season in 2011.

But he only made seven appearances last season under manager James Fowler in a personal campaign almost completely wiped out by injury.

"In spite of the injury, he was an enormous help to James Fowler with his off-the-park influence and assisted on match days and with the 20's and 17's squads," added Queens.

"It obviously goes without saying that Paul will be missed at the club."