Ryan Stevenson pens new Hearts deal as Ruben Palazuelos and Ismael Bouzid move on

Published Date: 04 June 2011
By LISA GRAY
Ryan Stevenson has agreed a new one-year deal with Hearts, while the club have confirmed the departures of Ruben Palazuelos and Ismael Bouzid.
The midfielder, 26, was recruited from Ayr United in February 2010 and made 33 appearances and scored seven goals last season.

"Ryan was my first signing when I came back as manager and he has taken his chance well," manager Jim Jefferies told Hearts News.

"It was a big step up for him and he got into the team quicker than he maybe thought due to the injury situation at the time.

"We tried him further up the park as one of the strikers and he did extremely well and chipped in with a few goals. He is still young and can get better and it's up to him to go and establish himself."

Jefferies added: "He is a terrific lad. He maybe took a bit of criticism in some games but he showed sheer determination to prove he is capable. I don't think anyone could complain about the effort he puts in."

Meanwhile, Hearts have confirmed that Palazuelos and Bouzid will not be offered new contracts for next season, with their current deals set to expire this summer.

"I had a very good time at Hearts and I want the very best for the team and supporters next season," said Bouzid.

"I am happy because I had two good seasons at a great club and I leave it in third position in the league and qualified for the Europa League.

"Hearts helped me develop as a player and the supporters were always very good with me.

"I do have many good memories and aside from my happiness at European qualification, my best memory will be the diving header in the game against Celtic at Tynecastle."

Palazuelos added: "I would just like to say thanks to all the supporters. I loved playing in front of them in every game at Tynecastle."

Dawid Kucharski, Paul Mulrooney and Jamie Mole have also left Hearts.

Taken from the Scotsman