Promising forward Connor Dow has put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Heart of Midlothian.
Connor steps up to the professional ranks following his 16th birthday, capping off a steady rise through the ranks that began as an eight-year-old.
A traditional number nine who can play off either wing, with good link up play and finishing, Connor also boasts good athletic ability and intensity out of possession.
Hailing originally from Ballingry in Fife, Connor has been with the academy since March 2017, and went on to lift the Club Academy Scotland Cup twice at U13s and U14s.
Capped by Scotland at youth age, Connor is also a product of the club’s Balerno Performance School where he worked closely with future B Team Head Coach Angus Beith and B18s Head Coach, David McNeil.
Despite his tender years, Connor has already trained and played with the B18s since the start of the season, despite being a B16.
Now he’s 16, he can feature for the B Team and and B18s boss David McNeil is hopeful the youngster’s development can continue to flourish.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, David said: “Connor is a player I have worked closely with throughout his journey, both at Balerno and here at the Academy, so it’s fantastic to see him sign his first contract.
"He brings quality and intensity to every session and matchday, which has earned him this opportunity to train and play with the B18s this season despite him only recently turning 16.
“Lee and I have really enjoyed working with him. Unfortunately, he’s had a couple of injuries this season, so we haven’t seen as much of him as we would have liked. However, we hope to help him push on in the second half of the season and work towards putting himself in Angus’ & Shelley's plans at B-Team level.”
Andrew Webster, Hearts’ Academy Director, added: “Firstly, I am delighted for Connor and his family, who have supported him through the challenges of the Academy journey, as well as for the staff who have played a key role in his development, both as a player and as a person.
“Connor is a player we believe has the potential to progress through our pathway towards the first team. Signing his first professional contract is a significant milestone in his journey, which began back in the Foundation Phase.
"Now, his challenge is to stand out for the B18s and push towards earning his B-Team debut in the second half of the season.
“Connor is the first of our current B16s to sign his first contract, and we look forward to seeing others in his age group follow in the coming months.”
