The Port Vale goal machine opted to explore a new challenge south of the border where he will team up with Manchester United and Wales legend Mark Hughes.
18:02, 19 Jun 2025Updated 18:02, 19 Jun 2025
Martin Foyle
Martin Foyle has left St Mirren for Carlisle United(Image: Getty Images)
St Mirren’s summer recruitment drive has been interrupted following Martin Foyle’s SMiSA Stadium departure.
The Buddies head of recruitment has joined National League side Carlisle United where Manchester United and Wales legend Mark Hughes is manager. Foyle has been quickly replaced in the role by ex-Celtic, Rangers and Blackburn Rovers talent spotter John Park.
The Port Vale goal machine joined the Saints in 2022 under manager Stephen Robinson – who he also worked with at Motherwell – and has played a pivotal role during his spell with Saints.
In a statement, the Buddies confirmed Foyle was moving on to a “new challenge”. But in an interview with Carlisle’s media team, when asked if it was difficult to leave Saints, Foyle admitted it “wasn’t really”.
He added that there were “things going on in the background that people don’t see” but he stressed that his relationship with Robbo was “fantastic”.
The Northern Irishman has banged the drum for Foyle throughout his time at Saints and recently spoke about his invaluable contribution as a “one-man band”.
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He said: “Martin has been an integral part of what we’ve done over the past three-and-a-half years and he’s been an integral part of what I’ve done as a manager over 10 years now. He’s a close friend of mine now and it’s a sad loss for the club.
“Another opportunity arose that was exciting for him and it’s with regret that Martin is leaving. I’d like to put on record my thanks to him for his recruitment and for all he’s done at the football club.
“The club have appointed John and it’s important that we get working together quickly, build a relationship and I look forward to that.”
Park has a big role to play immediately with Saints’ summer transfer window plans in full swing.
He added: “I’m delighted to be joining St Mirren. I’m excited to meet the manager, build a relationship with him and add to the good work that has been done over the past few years.
“The club has a clear strategy in terms of its football operations and I believe my experience will help build upon that.”
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