ST MIRREN have been dealt a blow with news that their respected head of youth development David Longwell is to leave the club. During his 15 years with the Paisley club Longwell, who will take up the post of academy director with MLS side Orlando City, helped bring through talent such as John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Stephen Mallan, Sean Kelly, Jason Naismith and Jack Baird. St Mirren’s youth academy in Ralston is the only five-star one in the county and Longwell admitted it was a wrench to leave.

He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will be leaving St Mirren Football Club. I would like to thank all our staff, players and fans and everyone associated with St Mirren FC for the support and help I have been given during my time at the club.

“An opportunity has arisen that I feel I couldn’t refuse and after much deliberation I have decided to accept the role of Academy Director with Orlando City. I would like to thank the St Mirren FC board for their support in allowing me to take up this position, and also for giving me the opportunity to oversee and evolve a wonderful Youth Development programme at St Mirren over the years.

“St Mirren will always remain a big part of me as it has been my life for the past fifteen years. I wish the Academy and Club every success for the future and feel it is in good hands going forward.”

New St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick paid tribute to Longwell. He said: “I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve known David a long time as we had coached together before he joined St Mirren. You just have to look at the players he has produced in his time at St Mirren.

“He has done an incredible job as he has kids playing proper football while also instilling great values and morals in them. He has also taken the Academy to great levels having earned Club Academy Scotland’s Gold Level which many other clubs haven’t achieved.

“It is hard to put into words the work David has done at the Club - look at the players he has brought through like John McGinn, Kenny McLean and young Stephen Mallan who is with us at present Ultimately in Youth Development you are judged on who you produce for the first team and the job David has done here at St Mirren has been phenomenal.”