Hearts have announced a trio of top team stars will leave Tynecastle in the summer.
Michael Smith, Ross Stewart and Gary Mackay-Steven are out of contract following the conclusion of this campaign and the capital club have now confirmed all three will move on. Veteran Smith joined in July 2017 from Peterborough United and has made over 200 appearances in Maroon. Back-up keeper Ross has featured nine times during his stint in Gorgie and has been providing competition to Craig Gordon and Zander Clark.
Mackay-Steven joined in January 2020 and helped the club gain promotion back to the top flight and in 64 games has netted eight goals. But his season was cut short in October last year after suffering an injury and he will now seek a new adventure like his two team-mates.
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Speaking to the official Hearts website, interim manager Steven Naismith said: “All three of them have been fantastic to work with since I came into the first-team scene.
“They’re all at different stages of their careers and have faced different challenges this season but they’ve always given nothing less than 100% and they should be proud to be part of this club’s history.
“I wish them and their families nothing but success in the future.”
Sporting Director Joe Savage said: “All three of these guys have played a part in helping this club to return to the top end of Scottish football.
“Michael’s performances saw him become a real fans’ favourite and the way he went about his business meant that he was someone that the younger players looked up to.
“Ross came in to bolster the goalkeeping department, working with international standard goalkeepers, and never let us down when he got the opportunity to take the gloves.
“Gary was part of our promotion-winning team and helped us to secure third place last season and with it group stage European football, and he’s been desperately unlucky with injuries this term.
“We thank all three for their services to Hearts and wish them well in the future.”
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