Midfielder Ryan Stevenson has completed a free transfer to former club Hearts. The 28-year-old was keen to return to Scotland with his wife not having settled in the area since he moved from the Edinburgh side for £50,000 in January.

Stevenson, who left Tynecastle having spent several months on strike after the club failed to pay him, said: "I'm excited at the prospect of returning to the club.

"Naturally the circumstances of my previous departure might have made this move seem unlikely, but I want to assure everyone that I am only focused on playing and winning with Hearts. I am delighted to be here.

Manager John McGlynn added: "I am delighted that we have re-signed Ryan. He is a quality player and can be used in a number of roles.

"He's physically strong and will be an asset to this Hearts team. When I heard he wanted to return it was a simple decision for me to make. He gives us more options and that is to be welcomed."

Contrary to earlier reports, Stevenson's contract with Town wasn't settled but the Blues haven't received a fee for the midfielder.

Speaking prior to the confirmation of Stevenson's exit, manager Paul Jewell said: “Ryan’s a great lad, he hasn’t had much of a look-in here and his wife has found it very difficult to settle.

“They’ve got a new baby and she’s found it very difficult to settle, so once the opportunity came to for him to move back to Scotland, we let him because the most important thing is his family.”

Stevenson made three starts and 10 substitute appearances for Town, scoring his only goal in the 3-2 win at Doncaster on the final day of last season.

Photo: Action Images

BuckieBlue added 22:01 - Aug 31 Dale McGlynn wasn't manager when he came south, and I suppose as he was on strike Hearts were happy to get anything for him.
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