Josh Ginnelly: Hearts say forward will 'not be returning' despite 'best possible offer'
- Published
Josh Ginnelly had a fine season as Hearts finished fourth in the Scottish Premiership
Heart of Midlothian have admitted defeat in their attempt to hold on to forward Josh Ginnelly, who described it as "one of the toughest decisions I've had to make".
The 26-year-old Englishman has come to the end of his contract after spending three years with the Scottish Premiership club.
Ginnelly scored 13 goals in 41 appearances last season as he formed a promising partnership with Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland but now desires "a different challenge".
The forward began his career with Shrewsbury Town before spells with Burnley, Altrincham, Walsall, Lincoln City, Tranmere Rovers, Walsall and Preston North End, from whom he was sent on loan to both Bristol Rovers and, Hearts before making the move to Tynecastle permanent in 2021.
In a social media post, Ginnelly described Hearts as an "amazing club" that "helped me through one of the toghest times of my career" because of injuries.
But had earlier stated that "he has decided his future lies elsewhere".
"Ginnelly will not be returning to the club," they sayid on their website. "Despite the club making the best possible offers to retain his services."
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