[5] The following season he became a regular in the side, scoring his first goal on 7 December 2002 as the Latics lost at home to Cheltenham Town in the second round of the FA Cup.

[7] His final appearance for the club was against Blackpool in the second leg of the 2006–07 League One play-off semi-final which "the Latics" lost 3–1.

[9] On 28 June 2007 Haining joined Scottish Premier League club St Mirren on a free transfer.

He made a total of 35 appearances in the 2007–08 season as "the Buddies" finished in 10th place in the Scottish Premier League.

He made a total of 23 appearances in the 2008–09 season as St Mirren finished in 11th place, avoiding relegation to the First Division on goal difference.

[14] He made his debut for the club on 10 August 2013, in Hyde's opening day 8–0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers.

[18][19] Haining became engaged to English glamour model Michelle Marsh on Valentine's Day 2005.