The club can confirm the departures of Bailey Dall, Luke Rathie, Ethan Drysdale and Ryan Duncan following the expiration of their contracts.
All four players have spent several years at the club having risen through the ranks of the Hearts Academy at various stages and leave with everyone at the club’s best wishes for their respective futures and thanks for all their hard work in a maroon jersey over the years.
B Team head coach Angus Beith spoke to the Official Hearts Website about the departures:
On Ryan Duncan:
“Ryan is a player who has made a big contribution to both the U18s and B Team since arriving at the club. He is a player who has many attributes that will be attractive to clubs in Scotland. But more importantly, Ryan is a top young person who demonstrated the correct attitude every day in training and when representing the club. His attitude remained the same, despite being told he would be departing the club in the summer, which I think, says a lot about him as a person.”
On Bailey Dall:
“Bailey is someone who has spent over half of his life at Hearts, coming through the Academy and into the full-time environment. During that time, he has always represented himself and the club in the correct manner. Bailey has spent the majority of the season out on loan at Spartans, which will have provided him with many good learning opportunities. These performances will also stand him in good stead for signing for a new club next season and kicking on.”
On Luke Rathie:
“Luke is another who has spent a number of years at the club, coming through the Academy, then into the full-time environment. He has contributed massively to the 18s and B Team. Although he didn’t play as much as we all would’ve liked this season, due to injury, he played a huge role in our 2nd place finish last season. He’s a big personality and someone who is respected within the group, therefore he will be missed. We will support Luke until he is ready to train with other clubs and hope he can remain injury free.”
On Ethan Drysdale:
“Ethan is someone who has huge potential. Unfortunately, due to injuries, that couldn’t be unlocked at Hearts. Ethan has shown a lot of resilience and hard work to get back to fitness on numerous occasions, but he’s had to deal with a number of setbacks. If Ethan can stay fit for a prolonged period of time, then I have no doubt he can get back to playing at a high level. He is someone who has also spent a number of years at the club, coming through the academy and he has always represented himself and the club in a professional manner.”
“I’d like to personally thank all Ryan, Bailey, Luke and Ethan for their efforts throughout the season and wish them all the very best for the future, wherever it takes them."
*The following U18s players have also departed the club:
Coupar Wilkie, Louie Selfridge & Szymon Plesiewicz.
