Quartet to leave Hearts

13 May 2010 11:38

Jim Jefferies has confirmed Michael Stewart, Jose Goncalves, Laryea Kingston and Christian Nade will not be at Hearts next season.

All four are out of contract and are among the biggest earners at the club, who are determined to slash their wage bill.

Defender Goncalves was offered a new deal, which he rejected, causing him to be frozen out of the team. Club captain Stewart was also axed following a bust-up with Jefferies and is reportedly holding talks with Turkish club Genclerbirligi.

Fellow midfielder Kingston this week admitted his Jambos career was probably over, while Nade's days at Tynecastle looked numbered after he was hit with a final warning by Jefferies following a dressing-room altercation with team-mate Ian Black.

"These players that are out of contract have now moved on and we wish them all the best," said Jefferies.

"We have got to concentrate now on the players that are here and the players that will come in to strengthen us.

"The wage bill will be greatly reduced and the way you can guarantee that is to assess the people out of contract."

Source: PA