TONY FITZPATRICK is urging St Mirren's support to keep the faith in manager Danny Lennon.

The Buddies are facing their biggest summer of change in Lennon's three years in Paisley with up to 13 first-team squad players departing.

Keeper Craig Samson has signed for Kilmarnock while Graham Carey and Sam Parkin have both been told they will not have new deals tabled.

Back-up shotstopper Grant Adam has been advised he is free to find another club, while it's believed severance packages are being agreed with Dougie Imrie, David Barron and Lee Mair.

Lewis Guy's future is also in question after recent disciplinary issues. On top of that, Conor Newton, Paul Dummett and Esmael Goncalves are all returning to their parent clubs while Sander Puri has gone after failing to make any sort of impression.

Buddies star Paul McGowan is almost certain to be bound for the Championship, with question marks still exist over the fitness and future of Darren McGregor.

But the Saints Scottish Cup legend says the fans must stand by their man and his ability to mastermind a successful summer recruitment drive.

Fitzpatrick said: "It is looking like a huge summer of change and I know the fans will be concerned.

"I trust Danny. When you look at the guys he has brought in the past like Goncalves, Steven Thompson and Gary Teale, then that makes me wonder about who he will bring in over the summer.

"The great thing for the club is now a trophy has been won under Danny, it is a far more positive proposition to players.

"I never like to see guys leaving St Mirren but I believe Danny will only let them go if he is confident he can bring better players in.

"He has shown an ability to do that in the past and I certainly wouldn't bank against him doing that this summer."

But Fitzpatrick admits the one name he does not want to see leave the club is McGowan.

The St Mirren great said: "I have to admit I would love Paul to stay. For me he is on the cusp of a Scotland cap and another season in Paisley would do him no harm.

"The grass is not always greener on the other side.

"If he goes to the English Championship it will take him time to settle in and find his best form but he knows if he stays at St Mirren Danny will build his team around him.

"But again their comes a point where talks have gone on for long enough and a decision has to be made to allow plans for the new season to be made and we could well be at that point with Paul."

Fitzpatrick admits he is not surprised at the speed with which the League Cup-winning squad is splitting up.

He said: "It was the same back in 1987 when we won the Scottish Cup.

"I think Ian Ferguson was the first to go and we knew he was heading for Rangers before the final. But that is football and change can be a good thing when you are looking to evolve and progress a club."