David van Zanten set to leave St Mirren

David van Zanten heads the ball clear despite the close attention of Hearts forward Michael Ngoo. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

VAN ZANTEN LEAVES ST MIRREN

By Ronnie Esplin, Press Association Sport

The 32-year-old full-back joined the Buddies in 2003 and helped them back into the top flight before moving to Hibernian in 2008.

After spells at Greenock Morton and Hamilton, the Irishman returned to Paisley in 2010.

He won a Scottish League Cup winners’ medal in 2013 to add to a Scottish Challenge Cup medal collected with St Mirren in 2005.

Van Zanten took to Twitter to announce his departure, while wishing the new Saints’ management team of Tommy Craig and player/coaches, Jim Goodwin and Gary Teale, all the best.

He said: “I’m very sad to announce that my time at St Mirren has come to an end.

“The nine years that I’ve spent at the club have, without doubt, been the most enjoyable of my career.

“I’m extremely proud to have played for St Mirren and, of course, to leave with three winners medals which I will treasure for the rest of my life.

“The club has given my family and I the most amazing memories and I’ve made some of my best friends in football there.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved with the club, from the board to the fans, for their support throughout the years and I’d like to wish Tommy, Jim and Gary all the best for the future.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my past and current team-mates. It has been a pleasure to have shared a dressing room with these guys and they have played a huge part in memories at the club. COYS.”