Hearts ace Connor Smith NOT joining Hamilton Accies, as director of football accuses player's agent of disrespect

Connor Smith WON'T be joining Hamilton Accies after the club's director of football, Gerry Strain, revealed he has been told the Hearts ace 'doesn't want to play League One football.'

And Strain has also hit out at the player's agent for "disrespecting" Accies over the move - which Hearts had agreed terms on earlier this month.

In a devastating blow to fans, the midfielder - who had a successful spell on loan with John Rankin's side last season - will not be returning.

And that is despite Hearts having agreed a deal with Accies "within six minutes" of Smith becoming available on August 4.

Strain explained: "The fans deserve to know what is happening because this has been going on for a while.

"Three weeks ago we had an offer accepted for Connor and as I believe it, we are the only club to have an offer accepted for him - but he is not coming here.

"Connor became available at 1.30pm on August 4 and Hearts accepted our bid for him by 1.36pm.

"So, within six minutes of him being available, we'd made our pitch and had it accepted by the club.

"Hearts have been tremendous and I wish every club was as good to deal with as them.

"But Connor's move isn't happening.

"The player appears to be blaming the agent and the agent is very clearly advising Hearts that his player doesn't want to play League One.

"We offered what Hearts are looking for, financially, for him and I understand we are the only club to have had an offer accepted, so far.

"That's where it is.

"I just wanted to be clear and let people know that we have been told the player doesn't want to come here.

"On August 4 we agreed terms with Josh O'Brien, Mikey Hewitt and also Hearts for Connor Smith.

"Josh O'Brien flew over from Ireland within 10 hours of the deal being