Graeme Jones defends Hearts stance on Lawrence Shankland contract clause

Hearts defend Shankland contract clause after Rangers secure striker on free, with Graeme Jones insisting the deal was the only way to keep him.

Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones has defended the club’s handling of Lawrence Shankland’s contract, following criticism over the clause that allowed Rangers to sign the striker on a free transfer this summer.

The Scotland international’s departure has caused frustration among supporters, with many questioning how such a key player was able to leave without a fee after just one season.

However, Jones insists the agreement was the only viable option available to secure Shankland’s return to Tynecastle last summer.

“The situation with Lawrence a year ago was actually quite simple,” Jones said. “We as a club had to make a calculation on whether we wanted to keep Lawrence or not and the only way in which we could keep him was with the deal that was agreed in the end.”

Shankland went on to score 20 goals last season, playing a pivotal role as Hearts battled for the Scottish Premiership title, losing out on the final day after a 3-1 defeat to champions Celtic.

Jones argued that the striker’s impact both on and off the pitch justified the risk taken by the club.

“I accept that that may be difficult to hear but I defy anybody to push back against the fact that it was the correct decision for the club,” he added.

“Derek and I took that decision whereby we had Lawrence for the year, he scored 20-plus goals, his leadership on and off the park was of the highest level and he helped maneuver a difficult path for the team where everybody was expecting us to falter.”

Despite acknowledging supporter disappointment at losing their captain, Jones maintained that the club must now look ahead.

“I naturally understand the disappointment that our fans will feel at losing their captain and their striker, but it was the only deal in which it was going to be possible for us to move forward,” he said.

“I back the decision that we made and I’m thankful for the year that we had with Lawrence, but like all teams they evolve past players.”

Jones also hinted at further activity in the transfer market, as Hearts look to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.