Matthew Gillies

Matthew joined Hearts at the Foundation Academy stage in 2016 as a 9-year-old from Spartans FC Youth. He then signed for the club in July of 2017 and has progressed through the Academy to earn his full-time deal.

The youngster attends the club's performance school at Balerno High, and has already played numerous times for the BU18s, turning out 24 times for them in 2022/23, as well as making his B-Team debut towards the end of last season.

Matthew predominantly plays as a centre back but can also play full back and shows real ease stepping into the middle of the park, where he utilises his superb array of passing. Matthew has also been recognised internationally with numerous Scotland call ups at U16 levels where he faced Denmark and Cyprus in a UEFA tournament in March 2023. 

Ahead of season 23/24 Matthew made the step up to the B-Team and scored in three of the Wee Jambos' pre-season friendlies. Matthew would go on to make 30 appearances during the season, taking the step up to Lowland League football in his stride. 

Under the guidance of Liam Fox and Angus Beith, Matthew moved into a midfield role and provided the men in maroon with a real dynamism. 

In May 2025, Gillies penned a new two-year deal with the club.