Former Newport County star Sam Foley signs for St Mirren

The 32-year-old midfielder was a free agent after leaving League Two side Northampton Town where he played 67 games in the last two seasons.

A potential return to County, where he won the 2010 Conference South title, failed to materialise after he appeared as trialist in last week's friendly win at Weston-super-Mare as a trialist.

Exiles boss Michael Flynn said over the weekend that Foley wouldn't be returning to the club, revealing that he had a "very good offer" from a Scottish club that he wouldn't be able to match.

Foley took to Twitter to respond to those comments, writing: “I’m quite proud to say I’ve never made a decision based on money in [my] whole career.

“The next chapter will be somewhere that will improve me as a player and a person and perhaps I’ll go to a club that will show a desire to want me.

“I’ve got some amazing memories from my time at Newport and it was always a dream to come back but sadly it wasn’t to be. [I'm] sure they will have another great season, like last.”

St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin believes Foley can be a key influence as his side bid to avoid a Scottish Premiership relegation struggle.

"Sam is a good, experienced central midfielder," Goodwin said.

"He can play on the left and the right of midfield but I’m bringing him in to be a central midfielder.

"He gives us a bit of aggression, a bit of experience, has good energy & fitness levels and is a very tidy footballer.

"We can’t have enough of those types of players. You need good, honest, experienced professionals who are going to bring out the best in the younger kids."

Foley could make his debut in Saturday's Premiership opener against Hibernian, who signed Newport's Christian Doidge this summer.