Former Celtic recruitment figure that helped find Van Dijk joins Premiership side | OneFootball

St Mirren have confirmed the appointment of John Park as Head of Recruitment and Emerging Talent. The ex-Celtic talent spotter takes up the role with Stephen Robinson’s Paisley side after Martin Foyle departed for Carlisle United.

In an announcement on Wednesday evening, St Mirren confirmed the appointment of the experienced recruitment figure.

“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.”

The 67-year-old was an integral part of Celtic’s recruitment operations under Neil Lennon, working to help bring players like Virgil Van Dijk and Victor Wanyama to Celtic. However, he moved around a number of clubs after leaving the biggest team in Scotland, eventually arriving at city rivals Rangers.

Park joined the Ibrox club in July 2022 with Ross Wilson and Giovanni van Bronkhorst in situ. However, after the pair left, Park was heavily involved in supporting Michael Beale’s flawed recruitment during his ill-fated spell in charge. Maybe it was a long term association with Peter Lawwell and Celtic that helped him assist Rangers with their recruitment over the summer of 2023.

Park previously also held roles at Motherwell, Hibs, Dundee United, Blackburn Rovers, Vancouver Whitecaps, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Legia Warsaw. He joins St Mirren having recently been Blackburn Rovers’ Head of Recruitment.