Edinburgh City sign shamed former Hearts player Craig Thomson

Craig Thomson in recent action for Kelty Hearts. Picture: Ian Georgeson.

The 26-year-old will play Scottish league football for the first time in five years, since leaving Tynecastle in 2012, after signing a one-year deal with the League 2 outfit. He will link up with sporting director Jim Jefferies, who managed the defender at Hearts.

Thomson was convicted in 2011 of lewd, libidinous and indecent behaviour towards two underage girls and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years, but escaped the sack from Hearts. Then owner Vladimir Romanov sent the then 20-year-old on loan to Lithuanian  feeder club FBK Kaunas before he spent time at FK Suduva. He was released from his Hearts contract the following year.

A statement from Edinburgh City read: “Edinburgh City FC announces the signing of former Scotland Under-21 International Craig Thomson.

“The club acknowledges Craig’s previous conviction in 2011 for offences he committed in 2010, and does not condone his behaviour in any way. However, the club’s board, management, playing  staff and main sponsor  collectively believe that Craig has completed his rehabilitation and we look forward to giving him the opportunity to return to playing in the SPFL.”