Stenhousemuir Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of a new Cooperation Agreement with Heart of Midlothian Football Club for the 2026/27 season.
The agreement, introduced by the Scottish Professional Football League, is designed to provide talented young players aged between 16 and 21 with greater opportunities to gain valuable first-team experience while continuing their development with their parent club.
As part of the new partnership, we are pleased to welcome defenders Matthew Gillies and midfielder Gus Stevenson to Ochilview on Cooperation Agreements for the forthcoming campaign.
Matthew Gillies joins the Warriors after progressing through Hearts’ academy system before making 46 appearances for their B Team, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
The central defender also enjoyed an impressive loan spell with Stranraer last season, making 29 appearances as they narrowly missed out on the William Hill League One Play-Offs by just three points.
Gus Stevenson also arrives after coming through the Hearts academy pathway, having originally started his career at Fife Elite Football Academy.
The attacking midfielder has made 61 appearances for Hearts B, scoring nine goals and registering five assists, before spending last season on loan with Montrose where he featured 27 times and recorded two assists in William Hill League One.
Director of Football Martin Christie said: “We are delighted to announce our Cooperation Agreement with Hearts for the 2026/27 season.
“Having evaluated a number of options, we believe Hearts were the best fit for us to ensure we maximise the benefits of the Cooperation System.
“I’d like to thank Shelley Kerr for her support throughout the process and for helping establish an agreement that will benefit both clubs.
“Our first two Hearts Cooperation players are Matthew Gillies and Gus Stevenson.
“Matthew enjoyed an excellent season with Stranraer last year and also impressed for Hearts B in previous campaigns. He is capable of playing in a number of positions across the back line and will be a valuable addition to our squad.
“Gus featured regularly for Montrose in League One last season and was a player we had monitored closely. He has the ability to influence games in a variety of attacking midfield roles and will bring energy, quality and creativity in the final third.
“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to both players and look forward to another productive Cooperation Agreement this season.”
Chairman Dan Wharton said: “This agreement represents another important step forward for Stenhousemuir Football Club.
“As we continue to establish ourselves in the Championship, it is vital that we build strong relationships with clubs who share our ambition of developing talented young players in a professional environment.
“Heart of Midlothian have an outstanding reputation for producing high-quality academy graduates and we are proud they have chosen to partner with Stenhousemuir.
“We are confident this agreement will prove mutually beneficial and we look forward to working closely together throughout the season.
“I’d also like to welcome Matthew and Gus to Ochilview and wish them every success in maroon this year.”
Manager Marvin Bartley said: “It fills me with delight to announce that we have signed a Cooperation Agreement with Hearts for the 2026/27 season.
“Hearts are renowned for producing outstanding young players through their academy and are also the current Scottish FA Youth Cup holders, so we’re excited to begin working together.
“After first making contact with Shelley Kerr while she was in America, I had the opportunity to sit down with her on a number of occasions after her return to discuss how this partnership could benefit both clubs.
“I know Hearts had a number of different options at our level, so I’m delighted they have placed their trust in Neil and myself to help develop some of their brightest young talent.
“None of this would have been possible without the support and commitment shown by Shelley Kerr and Graeme Jones, and we’d like to thank them both.
“Neil and I identified two players who we felt would immediately suit the way we want to play, and we’re delighted Hearts agreed they would continue their development here.
“Matthew had an excellent first loan spell at Stranraer, playing over 1,800 minutes. He’s a physical centre-back who defends aggressively, covers ground well and is comfortable in possession.
“Gus enjoyed a strong campaign between Hearts B and Montrose. He’s technically gifted, creative and always looking to make things happen in the final third.
“I can’t wait to start working with both players and I’m sure our supporters will join me in giving them a very warm welcome to the club.”
Everyone at Stenhousemuir Football Club would like to welcome Matthew and Gus to Ochilview and looks forward to seeing both players in maroon during the 2026/27 season.
