Hearts make loan transfer decision on player as Jambos thanked after talent joins teammate at new club

Hearts have opted to send another of their talents to Hamilton Accies for the rest of the 25/26 season.

The League One club have been hit with a raft of financial issues this season after relegation to the third tier last term, following a points deduction. That has resulted in the squad being left depleted and key players like former Hearts star Scott Robinson have started to head for the exit door.

They have loaned in some reinforcements for boss Darian MacKinnon and after taking in defender Kai Smutek from Hearts earlier this month, Hamilton have now signed Tynecastle winger Gregor Crookston until the end of the season. Crookston was the ‘B’ team Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season last campaign but now joins Smutek at Accies, where Bobby McLuckie spent the first half of the term, before joining East Kilbride.

What Hearts player has joined Hamilton Accies?

Hearts said ‘Gregor Crookston has been loaned to Hamilton until the end of the season, good luck, Gregor’ and An Accies statement reads: “Hamilton Academical Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Gregor Crookston on loan for the remainder of the season from Scottish Premiership side Heart Of Midlothian Football Club.

“The 19-year-old has been a regular for Hearts B this season, with 23 appearances across the Lowland League and Challenge Cup. Gregor, who has won Player Of The Year and Player’s Player Of The Year for Hearts B at the end of last season, can cover multiple positions across the pitch including midfield and defence.”

Boss Darian MacKinnon added: “I’m glad to get the deal done for Gregor and I thank Hearts for their cooperation in the last few weeks. Gregor has been in training with the squad this week, he’s got stuck in and offers us some depth across the team.”

What have Hearts said on Gregor Crookston

Former Hearts ‘B’ team boss Liam Fox said of Crookston upon him signing a deal in 2024 that took him until the summer of 2026: “Gregor has worked hard this season and despite an injury setback, he’s had a positive season. Firstly, he’s shown a good attitude to bounce back from that and while he’s featured more regularly for the 18s.

“He’s also had some exposure to the Lowland League, which will help him moving into the new season, which will be a big one for him. We have a lot of competition in those wide areas, so Gregor has to apply himself well in training to force his way into the side and then he has to perform on a consistent basis.”

MacKinnon has also heralded the arrival of Smutek as Hamilton face Cove Rangers on Saturday. He said: “It’s great to get Kai in and I want to thank Hearts for their cooperation in getting this deal done so quickly.We’ve had Kai in training the last few days and he’s looked sharp and got stuck in which is what we need at this moment.”