The former Hearts man also played for Derby County, Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic, amongst others.

A former Hearts star has announced his retirement from football, aged 39.

Conor Sammon has called it quits following a lengthy stint with Alloa Athletic in the lower leagues of the SPFL. Sammon started out in his native Ireland with UCD and Derry City before trying his hand at Scottish football in 2008 at Kilmarnock. That sparked spells in England with Wigan Athletic, Derby County, Ipswich Town, Rotherham United and Sheffield United before moving back to Scotland with Hearts during 2016.

He’d spend three years contracted to Hearts but spent time on loan at Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle and Motherwell prior to permanently joining Falkirk. Sammon has been at Alloa since 2021 and in a statement, the ex Hearts, Derby County and Sheffield United forward has paid an emotional tribute to former clubs, amid excitement for what comes next. He featured 27 times for Hearts and was capped nine times by the Republic of Ireland.

What former Hearts star has retired from football?

Sammon said in a social media post: "From kicking a ball as a young boy, it was always my dream to play professionally one day. I feel incredibly lucky to have fulfilled that dream, and spent the last 20 years playing in Ireland, England and Scotland. I’m also incredibly proud to have represented my country on nine occasions; a privilege and honour I’ll never forget. Over those years, I’ve been fortunate to represent some fantastic clubs and meet so many amazing people along the way.

"To my wife Caroline, thank you for everything you’ve sacrificed throughout this journey and for always being my biggest supporter. Behind every match-day and every high moment was you holding everything together through the moves, pressure, setbacks and time away from home. Your support and belief in me never wavered and I couldn’t have done any of it without you by my side.

"To my two beautiful girls, Sophia and Louisa, you’ve given me a happiness that football never could. No matter the result on a Saturday, coming home to you both was always what mattered most. I hope my football career shows you both the importance of never giving up on your dreams, no matter the setbacks along the way.

What will Conor Sammon do after retirement?

"To my Mam, Dad, brothers and sisters, thank you for every sacrifice you made from the very beginning to help me chase this dream. I’ll always be grateful for everything you did for me and the support you have given me throughout the years.

"To all my teammates, managers, coaches, staff, supporters and every club I’ve represented throughout my career, thank you. I’ve been fortunate to share dressing rooms with great people, work under brilliant staff and play in front of fantastic supporters. I’ll always be grateful for the memories, friendships and experiences football has given me.

"Football has given me so much more than a career. It has taught me discipline, resilience and the importance of teamwork. It gave me friendships and memories that will stay with me forever and perspective both on and off the pitch. I leave the game with nothing but gratitude and I’m excited for the next chapter that lies ahead."