Hearts midfielder seals deal with English club as former stars on the move

Olly Lee has joined Gillingham on a permanent deal. Picture: SNS

The Englishman has had three loan spells at the Gills during his career, two of which were during his three seasons with Hearts.

Lee turned down offers from a number of English League One clubs to stay on at Gillingham.

The 29-year-old formed a formidable partnership with Peter Haring in the 2018/19 season, his high point coming when he netted the only goal in a festive derby win over Hibs at Easter Road.

He fell out of Craig Levein’s plans and made the move to Gillingham the season after.

Lee returned and was a key member of Robbie Neilson’s team before he made the mid-season move back down south and scored five goals in 25 appearances.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans said: “He has taken his time to think everything through and has met up with several EFL 1 managers who were keen to sign him; at times last season he was simply outstanding.

“He went away late last week with his young family for a few days to discuss his various options and I was delighted when he rang me to say he would love to come back to us on a permanent basis.”

Ex-Hearts star Scott Robinson has returned to Kilmarnock. Picture: SNS

Former Jambos on the move

Meanwhile, two former Hearts players were on the move on Thursday.

Ross Callachan, who was tentatively linked with a return to Tynecastle last month, joined Ross County.

The midfielder hit ten goals last season for Hamilton Accies and took up a clause in his contract which allowed him to depart after relegation.

He has signed a two-year deal with the Staggies becoming Malky Mackay’s first recruit.

“This is an exciting time to join the club", the 27-year-old told the club’s website. “Obviously, the new manager has come in and has explained what his vision and plans are and that has mirrored my ambitions.”

Leaving the Premiership for the Championship is Scott Robinson, the youngest player to pull on aHearts jersey in a competitive fixture.

The 29-year-old leaves Livingston to return to Killie where he played just 13 times across a season despite having signed a three-year deal.

Since then, Robinson has dropped into part-time football before working his way back up and playing a pivotal role in Livingston’s success last season.

“The manager’s record at St Johnstone was outstanding and someone I would like to play under and he sold it to me right away,” he told the Killie TV.

“The fans will see a massive difference in me. Before I had a couple of injury problems and playing a different position, a more defensive position at the time which wasn’t me.”

Two former Hearts players have left Dundee after their promotion to the Premiership.

Goalkeeper Jack Hamilton and striker Osman Sow have both been released.

Hamilton joined the Dens Park side from Hearts and made 60 appearances.

Sow is understood to be moving to a club in Thailand after ten goals in 28 appearances.