St Mirren’s Dutch duo poised to exit

Both were offered new deals to remain at the Paisley club but have rejected the chance to extend their stay at St Mirren Park.

Manager Danny Lennon said Saints were unwilling to break the budget to retain the pair. He told the club’s website: “We have been advised through the players’ agent that the contracts offered to Jeroen Tesselaar and Nigel Hasselbaink have been turned down. The contracts offered were significantly improved terms from their contracts for season 2011-2012. However, the players and their agent believe they are worth even more.

“They have both been terrific players to work with this past year and we are disappointed to say goodbye to them now. However, our club is looking to build on our successes from this past season, whilst living within its financial means.

“We are looking to assemble a squad that is capable of taking the club forward again and we must ensure that squad is assembled before pre-season training commences in order to get the maximum benefit. We wish both players every success for the future and will watch their careers with great interest.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Esson has agreed a new two-year contract with Inverness. The goalkeeper, 32, put pen to paper after his deal expired at the end of the season. Esson joined the club from Hereford United in July 2008 following spells with Aberdeen and Shrewsbury Town. He said: “I’m delighted as it was my preference to stay with the club and my family enjoy living in Inverness.”