Main made more than 300 appearances for Saints over two periods in Perth

Saint Johnstone have announced that eight players are to leave the Scottish Premier League club.

Alan Main, Gary Irvine, Paul Sheerin, Euan McLean, Gavin Swankie and Josh Falkingham have been released by Saints manager Derek McInnes.

In addition, striker Cillian Sheridan and defender Mark Connolly have gone back to Celtic and Bolton respectively after their loan spells ended.

The Perth side finished eighth in their first campaign back in the SPL.

McInnes told the official St Johnstone website that the decision to release Saints favourites Main and Sheerin was particularly difficult.

He said: "I went from being their team-mates to their manager and it is obvious to me why they are held in such high regard by everyone connected with this football club.

"Both have been nothing but supportive to me and have made my job a whole lot easier and supporters will know that both men, on their game, were a privilege to watch.

"It was one of those difficult decisions you have to make as a manager and it was done with a heavy heart but I have to do what I feel is right for St Johnstone Football Club.

"Both players will still be an asset at whichever clubs they join."

Midfielder Falkingham, 19, arrived from Leeds United in March but has had very few opportunities to impress the manager.

"Josh will feel he has been unfortunate but like most managers I have a limit to my budget and to the number of players I can have on the books," said McInnes.

"I have to look at the balance of the team and in truth there are two or three areas I have to strengthen as a priority ahead of others.

"In Josh's case I had to weigh up whether I could see him getting into the side ahead of a fully fit Jody Morris, Kevin Moon, Murray Davidson or Chris Millar and the answer would be no.

"But Josh is a smashing lad and he can hold his head high about what he put in during his time here and he will do well wherever he goes."

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